Mashreqbank launches voice recognition banking service

Mashreqbank has launched a cutting edge voice recognition banking (VRB) service, which can respond to simple voice commands.

This is the first time ever that such user-friendly remote banking has been launched in the Middle East.

Available now on the Mashreqbank's free phone number 800-4010, callers can opt for either conventional telebanking by keying in numbers on their phone, or voice commands that enable them to access the same services simply by speaking.

Based on interactive voice response (IVR) technology, the system can respond to simple spoken commands such as cards, balance, information, 'apply', 'yes' and many more.

"Simply, it takes away the need to repeatedly punch menu numbers on the telephone and makes the telebanking experience quicker and a lot more natural and enjoyable," said Steven Pinto, head of retail banking group, Mashreqbank.

The voice recognition service is available in both English and Arabic and is initially available for managing a wide variety of credit card functions.

"Mashreqbank is committed to providing our clients with the most up-to-date technology. Customers can now review and perform transactions on their accounts 'hands-free', providing them with great convenience and efficiency," Pinto added.

The service has initially been launched on the credit cards telebanking line and will be extended across all Mashreqbank telephone banking services shortly.

Mindscape IT, a specialist in providing cutting edge financial IT solutions in the Middle East, in association with the Ascent Computing Group, New York, implemented the system for Mashreqbank in record time.