NatWest launches voice tech for banking pilot
NatWest has launched a pilot to test banking voice technology using Google Assistant.
9.6 million people own a smart speaker in the UK
Over three months, 500 customers will be able to bank from their house through a Google Home smart speaker or on their smartphone.
Customers can ask eight different questions, including what their current bank balance is and what their recent transactions were.
“We are exploring voice banking for the first time and think it could mark the beginning of a major change to how customers manage their finances in the same way mobile banking made a huge impact,” says Natwest’s head of open experience, Kristen Bennie.
“This technology will make it easier for people to bank with us and could bring particular benefits to those who have a disability as voice banking eliminates the need for customers to use a screen or keyboard,” she continues.
A partial voice PIN will be set up for security and any customers unable to get an answer from Google Assistant will receive a text message with contact details of NatWest’s customer helpline.
Currently, 9.6 million people own a smart speaker in the UK and this figure is set to rise to 12.6 million this year, whilst 55 million own a smartphone.
Natwest are testing exclusively with Google smart speakers for this pilot.
