Singaporeans interested in biometric authentication

Singaporeans are interested the use of biometric methods to verify identity (97%) and make payments (96%), while recognizing that biometrics are faster, easier and more secure than traditional passwords, according to a recent Visa survey on biometric authentication for payments.

The survey titled “Biometrics in Payments: Singapore” was conducted by AYTM Market Research late last year. Respondents consisted of 500 adult consumers in Singapore who used at least one credit card, debit card and/or mobile payment method.

According to the survey, more than half of the respondents have already used at least one form of biometric authentication including fingerprint recognition (88%), facial recognition (56%), iris scanning (50%) and voice recognition (49%). Among the range of biometric solutions, consumers were most familiar with fingerprint recognition, with 51% of them using it regularly.

Survey results showed one in five Singaporeans currently use fingerprint authentication or facial recognition from their respective banks or mobile phone providers. For those who have not used biometric authentication, 91% stated that they would be likely to use fingerprint or facial recognition authentication from their banks in future.

More than half (55%) of the respondents agree that the use of biometrics eliminates the need to remember and key in multiple passwords, and PINs, for their respective accounts. Forty one per cent said that biometric authentication is more secure compared to passwords and PINs as they can better confirm individual identities.

Singaporeans believe that fingerprint recognition is the most desired biometric authentication, followed by eye scanning and facial recognition for both online payment and in-store purchases. For online payment authentication, Singaporeans are keen to use it for large purchases (more than $100) and small purchases (under $100), and transfer of funds to family. The preference is similar for in-store purchases, including using biometric authentication to pay for a meal at the bar or restaurant and buy tickets for transportation.

Mandy Lamb, Group Country Manager, Regional Southeast Asia for Visa, said, “Singaporeans are early adopters of technology and many of them already have experience with biometrics authentication. With the proliferation of biometric authentication solutions used by mobile providers and banks, Singaporeans recognize the value these new technologies bring to their everyday lives. As the country continues its Smart Nation journey, we believe more people will start to adopt biometric authentication.”