ASB set to launch payments to Facebook 'friends' via ASB Mobile app

For the first time, New Zealanders will be able to make payments to friends, family and other contacts directly through social media thanks to an upcoming enhancement to ASB’s popular mobile banking app announced today.  From mid-July 2012, ASB Mobile users will be able to pay their Facebook ‘friends’ in seconds without using a bank account number, regardless of whether they are an ASB customer or not.

The ability to pay and receive money via Facebook is a breakthrough for the New Zealand market. With the launch, ASB will offer New Zealanders the most comprehensive range of mobile banking services available on both Apple and Android smartphones.

“Kiwis are increasingly engaging with friends, family and businesses through social media and on average they have more Facebook friends than the typical Facebook user globally,” says ASB’s General Manager Brand Experience & Digital Channels Anna Curzon. “We know from talking to our customers that they are seeking out quicker, more convenient, and safer ways to make payments that reflect their lifestyle. The next step in this evolution is being able to seamlessly make payments from their smartphone, using Facebook as a channel.  We believe Facebook payments will be a popular addition to the range of payment options already available on ASB Mobile which include payments by mobile numbers and email addresses.”

Another enhancement included in the upcoming new release of ASB Mobile will be the ability for customers to download and register the app on more than one mobile device.  This enhancement is being introduced as a result of feedback from customers and is likely to prove popular for customers wanting to access mobile banking across multiple devices such as both an iPad and iPhone.

Security is always a top priority for ASB and ASB Mobile uses the latest in encryption technology to minimise security threats such as malware, phishing and hacking.  No personal banking information is stored on the phone. Receivers of payments are also protected with all un-retrieved funds being credited to the payer after 14 days.