ASB Bank set to launch payments via Facebook

Users of ASB mobile banking services will soon be able to pay their Facebook contacts without using a bank account number - even if the person they are paying is not an ASB customer.

Available from mid-July the ability to pay and receive money via Facebook is a breakthrough for the New Zealand market.

"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,"  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.

Also included in the new release 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 remains a top priority  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 and receivers of payments are also protected with all un-retrieved funds being credited to the payer after 14 days.