The new system, the first of its kind in Qatar, was launched in the presence of QNB Group CEO Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari and a host of senior Ministry of Interior officials at the bank's head office.
The initiative comes as part of QNB Group's commitment to adopting new innovative and cutting-edge technological solutions to deliver premium quality services to its customers in a safe, fast and convenient way.
QNB branches and ATMs at the said branches will be fitted with the biometric authentication system from October, allowing customers to securely access their banking facilities through the biological traits of their irises, giving customers the ability to authenticate themselves without using their banking card or PIN.
On the occasion, Al Kuwari said: "Implementing this application, which is the latest technological solution, is an example of our continuous pursuit to look for more innovative ways to serve our customers through the delivery of premium products and quality service.
He added: "The 'Iris Recognition System' technology solution reduces the risk of fraud, identity theft and unauthorised access by protecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability. It also helps QNB retain its competitive advantage and customer loyalty in the rapidly changing business environment.
"One of the bank's core values is constant improvement through innovation and refinement of its offerings and services. QNB 's customers will enjoy ease of using the iris recognition technology which will also give customers convenience and the highest financial security, protecting customers in every transaction they make."
Iris Guard technology is based on the fact that every human eye is different, providing a unique identifier for every person in the world. It maps the varied characteristics of the human iris and delivers accurate, fast and secure biometric personal identification solutions. Irises are almost ten times more accurate than fingerprints, and provide an accurate biological match.
Customers simply need to look into an inbuilt camera which will automatically scan the Iris and the bank account will be unlocked. The Iris system is built to capture the highest quality image which then matches against a secured database of irises in less than two seconds.