Hong Kong Monetary Authority mulls using facial recognition and fingerprint technology in ATMs
Security boost follows Macau’s adoption of the technology, amid central government worries over financial crime
We will be studying this technology to see if this can enhance security
“There are still other possibilities. For example, some people are suggesting whether fingerprints verification can be deployed. Can this replace the use of password or should the two be used at the same time?...Now that Macau has this new technology, we are happy to study.”
Chan made the remarks as official figures showed that the number of suspicious transaction reports received by the police skyrocketed from 23,282 in 2012 to 76,590 last year, leaving investigators struggling to cope. Meanwhile, the number of convictions sank from 160 in 2012 to 102 last year.
Earlier this month, Macau announced the move to use facial recognition to scan bank card users at ATMs across the former Portuguese enclave to tackle money laundering and capital flight. The high-tech screening system will first be installed at ATMs in and around casinos before being extended to cover all 1,300 cash machines. All holders of mainland-issued China UnionPay bank cards “will be required to scan their mainland identity card and undergo a facial recognition check” to draw cash.”