Comtrade Digital Services, the software engineering services company, announced Thursday (Dec. 1) it has created an automated banking platform for Viber, a messaging app.
According to a press release, Comtrade said the new solution allows users to carry out a range of banking transactions entirely through a chatbot. Viber users will now be able to send and transfer money, check their bank balance and access other banking services directly through the Viber app. Recipients of Viber payments will be able to instantly retrieve the money sent to them by using a QR code at an ATM or going to their local branch.
Comtrade said it used agile methodologies to develop the chatbot-enabled banking solution. The chatbot can understand and process user requests instantly and securely and can be integrated directly with banks’ own digital platforms. Comtrade said the solution also includes a client acquisition tool that will help banks attract younger customers.
“This solution is going to transform the payments world for retail banks, payment processors and their customers. Most banks now have a mobile app, but they don’t provide such innovative, instant payment options as this. This is the only messaging platform that, through an API, can be directly integrated with banks’ existing digital banking channels,” said Oliver Lynch, business development director at Comtrade Digital Services, in the press release. “At Comtrade Digital Services, we are constantly telling businesses that they must be willing to embrace and drive digital transformation in order to stay ahead. That is exactly what Viber has done, and I expect many will follow. This marks a whole new era of banking, and we can expect a significant proportion of the world’s microtransactions to be carried out over messaging apps and social media platforms in the future. Now, it is time for the world’s banks to welcome this new era and seek innovative solutions that will help them retain and attract customers — or be left behind.”