ICICI Bank, the largest private sector bank in India, launched a service which allows customers to make transactions via its call centre using voice recognition.

The bank claims this is the first service in India which authenticates users based on their speech patterns. It is available to over 33 million users of its savings account and credit card.

The new technology means users no longer have to enter card and PIN numbers, and answer security questions to prove their identity. Their voice now becomes the equivalent to a password for transactions through the call centre.

“We have noticed that the customers, especially those who use smartphones, find it difficult to enter the 16 digit card number and the 4 digit PIN with accuracy and at a reasonable speed. We wanted to offer them a secure and hands-free alternative to the traditional on-screen commands on smartphones,”  said Chanda Kochhar (pictured), MD and CEO, ICICI Bank.

The voice recognition technology makes use of voice prints, which are unique to an individual. It comprises more than 100 characteristics including voice modulation, speed, accent, pronunciation which are impossible to imitate, thereby enhancing security, claims the bank.

The bank stores the customer’s unique voice print against his or her account and matches it whenever the user calls from their registered mobile number.