Gulf Bank Introduced A “Blinking to Bank” Method Of Logging Into Banking App

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Gulf Bank is a market leader in terms of offering the most innovative services to its clients. Gulf Bank customers can now access their personal accounts and any number of services by logging into this new banking app through one of two methods: by blinking their eyes at their smartphone camera (‘Blinking to Bank’) following their fingerprint recognition (Touch ID), or through the use of a traditional password registration. Below is our interview with Laila AlQatami from Gulf Bank:

Q: Laila, what’s the best thing about Gulf Bank that people might not know about?

A: Gulf Bank was one of the first Banks to be founded in Kuwait and it had a capital of 24 million rupees (the Indian Rupee was the currency of Kuwait at that time) which was equivalent to 1.8 million KD or $US 6 million. The Gulf Bank head office has been in continual use since it was built in 1961. Over the years, additional floors were added, but care was taken to maintain the original architecture and design of the building, and it is considered a landmark of Kuwait.

Today, Gulf Bank is a market leader in terms of offering the most innovative and up to date retail services across Kuwait, to guarantee the maximum level of customer’s satisfaction and continuously fulfill its customers growing needs.

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Q: You’ve recently introduced facial recognition to your mobile banking app; tell us something more?

A: To start with, it’s the first of its kind mobile banking app in the Middle East and that on its own is remarkable. Gulf Bank customers can now access their personal accounts and any number of services by logging into this new banking app through one of two methods: by blinking their eyes at their smartphone camera (‘Blinking to Bank’) following their fingerprint recognition (Touch ID), or through the use of a traditional password registration. This app is fully bilingual, Arabic and English, and can be downloaded onto smartphone devices through the Apple App store and the Android Play store.

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Q: How does it work?

A: The system works by measuring and analyzing body characteristics that are unique to each individual and thus reduces the vulnerability of duplication, unauthorized access, and risks associated with lost or stolen passwords. The Gulf Bank app uses a combination of both fingerprint ID and facial recognition for its biometric login. However, using the biometric registration is not necessary, customers can still use a traditional password registration to use Gulf Bank’s mobile banking app. Through the app, Gulf Bank customers can conduct numerous banking transactions in three clicks or less. Additionally, Gulf Bank’s credit card customers can check their Gulf Rewards loyalty point balances, as well as instantly redeem their Gulf Points for free travel and hotel stays. Furthermore, the new app allows customers to review their chances to with the Bank’s widely popular ‘Al Danah’ KD 1 Million draw, or even open an ‘Al Danah’ account to enter the quarterly draws.

Q: Could you tell us something more about your social responsibility program?

A: Gulf Bank’s corporate social responsibility program supports a variety of initiatives related to youth empowerment; education; health and fitness; as well as culture and community service.
To address one of the most important strategic challenges for our country, and the region, Gulf Bank has undertaken a number of youth education and skills development programs. One of our major yearly sponsorships is an ongoing partnership with the local chapter of a global NGO to deliver Arabic and English language education programs on entrepreneurial and leadership skills to encourage high school and university students to build successful careers

Health and fitness has also been a key element of the Bank’s initiatives. The Bank held the first ‘Gulf Bank 642 Marathon’, and so far the only road race in Kuwait to be internationally accredited by the world’s governing body for marathons. The ‘Gulf Bank 642 Marathon’ was walking and running event (5km, 10km, 21km, and 42Km) and the three longer distance categories now appear in the international calendar of races. The event was well received with 2,400 participants representing over 74 nationalities.

Gulf Bank was also recently held a “Women in the Corporate World: Beyond the Glass Ceiling” conference to address the issues women face in the workplace. At the conference the Bank also released the results of a Kuwait survey of women in the workforce which shed light on key motivating factors for working women.

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Q: What can we expect form you in the next six months?

A: We recently conducted a survey that aimed to measure customers’ experience. The results were positive and showed that customers are truly satisfied with the level of services received from the Bank on so many levels; however, it showed us some areas to expand and improve. We will be increasing the number of branches which offer 24-hour service to customers and an upgrade of our ATM machine network, which will make transacting even more simple. We are also planning to launch an online investment service for new investors, which will help guide them in the process. Additionally, we plan to expand our loyalty program offerings.