Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Visa Launch eCommerce Biometrics In UAE

The first biometrics authentication solution for online transactions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is being introduced by Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) in collaboration with Visa, according to a Tuesday (June 8) press release.

This new security solution taps the Visa Consumer Authentication Service to level up users’ experience and data security. Visa’s solution streamlines digital processes for consumers while also replacing traditional security tools to minimize fraud risk and cyberattacks, the release stated.

ADIB Group Head of Retail Banking Philip King said in the release that the pandemic brought about a need for increased protection against fraud that would better secure online transactions. He pointed to eCommerce websites as having to face more security issues “from online fraud to theft of confidential data.”

“Unlike conventional authentication processes, a biometric identification system uses the physical characteristics of an individual to grant account access, ensuring the security of consumers,” King said in the release. “Through our partnership with Visa, we aim to continue evolving our approach to using digital solutions to improve our customers’ experience.”

ADIB said it will continue prioritizing investments that will generate expanded online banking tools and more solutions for digital payments, according to the release. It is striving to extend a streamlined experience that UAE businesses and residents will be able to easily use.

Visa General Manager for UAE Shahebaz Khan said in the release that the Visa Consumer Authentication Service shows how its “network intelligence” can extend “tangible value” to financial institutions (FIs) and retailers.

“Because the solution only prompts consumers for verification of the riskiest eCommerce transactions, most consumers will have a streamlined authentication process,” Khan said in the release.

ADIB launched digital Smart Tellers to branches, which gives customers a multi-functional interactive terminal. ADIB was also the first FI to roll out the first biometric ATM readers in the region, according to the release.

Earlier this month, Visa invested in LoginID to facilitate the bridge linking payments and authentication without requiring a password. PYMNTS estimated that verification for some 18 billion transactions will use biometrics in 2021.