Nigeria’s premier financial institution, Firstbank has launched a next generation Automated Teller Machine tagged FastTrack ATM, which is designed to promote financial activities on the ATM without any form of physical interaction with the machine.
With the FastTrack ATM, launched in partnership with Inlaks, customers can carry out cash withdrawals without having to touch the interface of the ATM. It is a Touchless Solution, where the customer carries out the transaction by using his or her mobile phone to perform the needed steps designed originally for implementation on the ATM.
By using one’s phone, the transaction is carried out – in advance – through the Bank’s USSD or mobile banking option. Upon the schedule, the customer visits the FastTrack ATM to complete the transaction by tapping a contactless Near Field Communication (NFC) card on the ATM to withdraw his or her cash.
Speaking on the launch of the FastTrack ATM, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Limited said the ATM Machine was launched to provide seamless financial solutions to the Bank’s customers.
“At Firstbank, we ensure our customers are able to timely carry out their transactions in safe, secured and efficient ways, thereby putting them ahead in digital banking, not just in Nigeria but Africa. We are delighted to set the pace regarding the use of the Next Generation ATM in Africa which enables customers to use their mobile phones to remotely initiate ATM-based cash withdrawals via our *894# USSD banking or FirstMobile application. At the core of our strategy lies innovation which is critical to adapting to the new normal,” he said.
FirstBank customers can now leverage the real-time mobile banking capabilities of their cellphone to activate cash withdrawals at the FastTrack ATM. The ATM solution is the Bank’s response to control the spread of COVID-19, whilst promoting the safety of customers that carry out transactions at the ATM.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Inlaks, Mr. Olufemi Adeoti, has explained that the FastTrack ATM is a fully compliant COVID-19 FinTech, stressing that given the fact that consumers are more adaptable to mobile technology, Inlaks – the Africa’s leading Information Technology Solutions provider together with Hyosung ATM OEM decided to partner with FirstBank to introduce the machine.
“This is in alignment with the ‘new normal’ desired customer experience which includes digitalization and delivering a secure contactless cash access to the bank’s FirstMobile customers for better user experience, simplicity, speed and convenience,’’ he said.
In recognition of its giant strides at promoting electronic banking in the country, FirstBank’s mobile banking application – FirstMobile – was recently awarded the Best Mobile Banking App award 2020 in the Global Finance Best Digital Bank Awards 2020 as well as 2019 Best Mobile Banking App by Global Business Outlook.
