AccessBank Liberia (ABL) has launched Liberia’s first fingerprint-based ATM system at its headquarters in Monrovia, alongside two digital banking services aimed at improving access and streamlining transactions. The new offerings include the ABL Smart Fees Payment platform and Online Statement Access, part of the bank’s push to modernize customer service and enhance financial inclusion.
New Services Debut
The fingerprint-only ATM system allows customers to access their accounts without a physical card or PIN, using biometric authentication for secure withdrawals and account access. The machines are already operational in Monrovia’s Sinkor neighborhood, as well as Ganta and Gardnerville, with plans for further deployment across the country.
“This event marks another important step toward making banking easier, accessible and affordable for all Liberians,” said ABL CEO Vezele K. Gbogie during the launch event. “Since 2009, we’ve committed ourselves to innovation, and this is another leap forward.”
The Smart Fees Payment platform enables parents and guardians to pay school tuition and fees directly through their bank accounts or mobile phones. The platform integrates with MTN and Orange Mobile Money services, allowing for fast, secure payments with real-time confirmation, thereby reducing the need for in-person cash transactions at school offices.
ABL also introduced Online Statement Access, a feature that gives customers secure, digital access to downloadable PDF account statements. The bank reports that more than 51,000 customers are currently active on its mobile platforms, with over 100,000 digital transactions processed monthly.
Central Bank Backing
The Central Bank of Liberia endorsed the initiative as a step toward national digital transformation goals. “The Central Bank is proud of AccessBank’s efforts in aligning with our national strategy to promote financial inclusion and digital transformation,” said Miatta O. Kuteh, Director of Payment Systems. “We aim to ensure that by 2029 at least 80 percent of Liberia’s adult population has access to financial services.”
To support the rollout, AccessBank invested over half a million U.S. dollars in cybersecurity and digital infrastructure upgrades. In addition to deploying the technology, the bank is running educational programs to help clients understand and adopt the new systems.
The launch positions AccessBank as a leader in Liberia’s evolving financial services sector, and reflects a broader trend across Africa toward biometric security and paperless banking.
Source: FrontPageAfrica
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By Ali Nassar-Smith
