Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) partnered with Visa to introduce the UAE’s first biometric authentication solution for e-commerce transactions. This solution leverages the Visa Consumer Authentication Service (VCAS) to deliver an improved customer experience and boost data security.
Philip King, group head of retail banking at ADIB, said, "Due to the pandemic, online security and fraud protection has become more essential than ever. E-commerce websites have to confront various 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. Through our partnership with Visa, we aim to continue evolving our approach to using digital solutions to improve our customers’ experience."
VCAS is driving smarter authentication decisions through data to enhance user experience, as well as mitigate security and fraud risks by replacing traditional verification methods. Instead of the conventional OTP sent via SMS or email, once the solution is implemented, ADIB customers can authenticate their e-commerce transactions by using their ADIB Mobile application biometric authentication — either fingerprint or facial biometrics. In this way, hackers can find it more difficult to use illegally obtained consumer credentials, allowing for stronger security and a time-efficient experience, even when the customer is on the go.
Shahebaz Khan, Visa’s general manager for UAE, stated, "Our Consumer Authentication Service is an example of how Visa's network intelligence can create tangible value for our bank clients and merchants. Because the solution only prompts consumers for verification of the riskiest e-commerce transactions, most consumers will have a streamlined authentication process. Consumers in the UAE are savvy and with more transacting online, Visa’s biometric solution for ADIB offers them the safe and optimal online payment experience they increasingly expect. We are delighted to see ADIB become the first bank in the UAE to launch biometric authentication for e-commerce transactions."