(21 July 2006 – Europe) Dutch banking giant ABN Amro is launching a voice recognition system which will remove the need for customers to provide passwords and PIN codes.The system will be rolled out to the bank’s telephone banking customers in its home market.
ABN Amro said the system had been tested by 25,000 calls made by 1450 people, using both fixed line and mobile phones.
Special attention was made during testing to customers whose voices were affected by colds.
ABN Amro said 95 percent of all transactions were conducted over the phone and internet, and that voice verification was more convenient for customers.
A system of more than 100 biometric characteristics in the caller’s voice, such as pitch and frequency are picked up to ensure callers are who they say they are.
Voice verification will be used initially for customers making balance enquiries, transfers and investment orders over the phone.