Biometrics Help Bring Banking Services To New Population Segment In India

Expanding its customer base posed a unique challenge for Indian Bank. But thanks to a biometric solution from Diebold, the company is now reaching a once underserved population. In India, a large part of the population, concentrated in rural areas, cannot read or write and doesn’t use or understand basic banking services. Because of those issues, there are very few banks located outside the metropolitan areas and many rural residents have difficulty using financial services, especially ATMs that require following written on-screen prompts.

To further its goal of providing bank accounts and ATMs for everyone in the country, regardless of socioeconomic background, the institution turned to biometric ATMs from Diebold, installing more than 425 units in the country.

Along with accepting the standard card and four-digit PIN number, the biometric ATMs also can use fingerprints to identify and authenticate the identity of customers. Using voice-prompted instructions, customers who use the ATMs have access to all traditional functions, including cash and check deposits, balance inquiries and account statements.

And so far, the biometric ATMs have pleased Indian Bank officials, who have labeled the project a success. The biometric technology has reduced the bank’s transaction costs while providing easier and more secure functions for a new segment of the population.

The bank credits a customer education program as a major reason for acceptance of the biometric technology by its customers. Officials believe biometrics will help increase acceptance of banking technology and services. Installation of more than 100 of the new ATMs has been scheduled across the country by 2010.

About the Author

Brent Dirks is senior editor for Security Today and Campus Security Today magazines.

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