Barclays Bank and NCR Corporation introduce the first biometric-enabled ATM in the UAE

Barclays has selected NCR Corporation for the provision of NCR automated teller machines (ATMs), as well as for their maintenance across the UAE.

Forty years ago comedian Reg Varney (of UK TV's 'On the Buses' fame) changed the face of banking by becoming the world's first cash machine customer at Barclays Enfield branch in North London. On Wednesday 27 June 2007, the cash machine, ATM, or more colloquial 'Hole in the Wall', celebrates its 40th birthday.

The original machines, described as mini-banks or cash dispensers, were designed to allow customers access to cash 24 hours a day, outside of the restrictive opening times of banks during the 1960s. The machine was designed to dispense £10 against a special paper voucher which the customer inserted into the machine followed by a unique 4 digit personal code in much the same way as today. By the end of the 1960s there were 781 cash machines across the world (595 in the UK) by the end of 2006 there were 1.64 million worldwide (60,642 in the UK).*

Times have changed, technology has evolved and Barclays Bank UAE is proud to introduce biometric-enabled ATMs in the UAE for the first time.

The new ATMs at Barclays will be equipped with biometrics technology, which enables customers to be authenticated via fingerprint scanning. Biometrics is a secure form of authentication, a form of identification that can't be lost, stolen or forgotten, minimizing the risk of fraud.

The contract signed also includes a mix of full-function ATMs that can address advanced functions, such as Intelligent Deposit and a personalized Self Service ATM experience, as well as routine transactions including cash withdrawal.

Commenting on the agreement, Amin Habib, Managing Director, UAE and Gulf States said: 'Being different and providing innovative solutions is what Barclays brings to the UAE market .. Once again we are backing it up with the top-quality services that customers expect from Barclays. By the end of the year, Barclays local network will include two branches, three service centres and an ATM network. Our agreement with NCR will help to create a safe ATM network in the UAE.'

'The bank chose NCR because the company understood what we want to deliver to our customers and how that fits with Barclays strategy" said Farhan Waheed, Head of Retail Branch Banking, UAE.

Ahmad Qawasmeh, Gulf Managing Director, NCR said: 'Barclays strategy is focused on delivering growth across the UAE and doing so mandates competitive and differentiated customer service. NCR is proud to have been chosen by Barclays to assist them in achieving this goal. As the world's leading provider of ATMs and self-service solutions, NCR has the business acumen required to live up to the task.