HONG KONG: HSBC has launched its voice biometric identification service in Hong Kong, following the successful launch of the functionality in the UK last year. Voice biometrics will be used as a form of verification while using phone banking services, reducing the need for local customers to remember a phone banking PIN or answer security questions. The functionality will be available to any customer 18 years old or over who has registered for HSBC’s phone banking services and have a phone banking PIN and mobile on record with the bank. Customers will be able to register for the service via a dedicated hotline, and will record their voice using a standard passphrase. As a security precaution the bank is advising customers to never attempt to register their voice over any number that is not the hotline, or to disclose information to callers claiming to be HSBC staff helping customers enrol.
Greg Hingston, HSBC head of retail banking and wealth management for Hong Kong “Bank customers expect greater convenience, speed and simplicity yet secure ways to bank and HSBC continues to invest in digital technology to deliver this experience,” HSBC head of retail banking and wealth management for Hong Kong Greg Hingston (photo right) said. “Voice ID demonstrates our continued focus on making our services simpler, faster and better for customers. Your voice is unique, just as your fingerprint is, and you can now use your voiceprint to access phone banking in a more convenient way.”