Barclays has unveiled a finger vein scanner to help businesses access their banking facilities securely in seconds.

The Barclays Biometric Reader (BBR), developed in collaboration with Hitachi, uses infra-red technology to identify the user by scanning their unique finger vein patterns. Even more secure than a fingerprint, this innovation removes the need to remember PINs or passwords and eliminates the risk of PIN capture, identity fraud or sharing of account details.

The new device improves on the first version by introducing a ‘Sign What You See’ activity screen, which displays written instructions to the user describing the activity being authorised, offering an additional layer of security in case their computer was compromised and a fraudster had manipulated the details of the activity needing authorisation. Another development is Bluetooth wireless connectivity, making it easier for users to manage their banking without having to physically connect the scanner to their computer.

Despite the introduction of the activity screen and wireless connectivity, Hitachi have been able to make the new device smaller than its predecessor by adapting the technology used to scan the finger vein.

There is no public record of the user’s vein pattern and Barclays does not hold the vein pattern on its systems. Barclays’ digital banking system iPortal, which provides a single access point and sign-in for all services, has been designed to interact with the BBR.

The new device will be available to corporate and business banking clients who use the bank’s Barclays.Net and iPortal digital channels from early 2020.

Martin Runow, head of digital banking at Barclays Corporate, said: “Our clients are increasingly mobile and the advances we’ve been able to introduce will allow them to securely manage their accounts wherever they are.

“This device aligns with our aim to redefine digital banking by putting client experience at the core of everything we do, making it easier for our corporate clients to run their business,” he added.

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