Kuwait, 25 May 2016: Gulf Bank is happy to announce the launch of its new, innovative, and easy-to-use product, the Middle East's first facial recognition mobile banking app. Gulf Bank customers can now access their personal accounts and any number of services by logging into this new banking app through one of two methods: by blinking their eyes at their smartphone camera ('Blinking to Bank') following their fingerprint recognition (Touch ID), or through the use of a traditional password registration. This bilingual Arabic and English app is available for download onto smartphone devices through the Apple App store and the Android Play store on Wednesday, 25 May.

Mr. César González-Bueno, Gulf Bank Chief Executive Officer said: "When designing our new mobile banking app and updating our online banking site, we used global best practices and the latest technology to ensure they are more flexible, include a wider range of banking services, and are easier to use. With our 'Blinking to Bank' mobile app and online banking, customers can bank anytime, from anywhere in the world, and perform any number of transactions safely and securely, never being more than three clicks away from what they want to do.  Customers with an existing ATM card can immediately start using online banking, or download and begin using the new mobile banking app. These new digital offerings underline our commitment to delivering transformative products and services to our customers."

From a security perspective biometric technology is simple and is widely accepted as the most fail-safe way of authentication.  The system works by measuring and analysing body characteristics that are unique to each individual and thus reduces the vulnerability of duplication, unauthorized access, and risks associated with lost or stolen passwords. The Gulf Bank app uses a combination of both fingerprint ID and facial recognition for its biometric login. However, using the biometric registration is not necessary, customers can still use a traditional password registration to use Gulf Bank's mobile banking app.

The services included in the mobile app and online banking are: checking account details; making ad-hoc transfers; biometric verification for transfers; automatic IBAN data population; creating a standing order; setting future-dated transactions; and adding and managing beneficiaries, eliminating the need to visit a branch or call the contact center. Transferring funds is also simplified since the application will populate the remaining IBAN Beneficiary Bank details automatically. Customers can also use the app to securely share information including IBAN number and account holder name sharing, IBAN certificate sharing and printing, transaction confirmation sharing, and statement sharing; and much more.

Additionally, Gulf Bank's credit card customers can check their Gulf Rewards point balances, as well as instantly redeem their Gulf Points for free travel and hotel stays. Customers can also pay their credit card bills; receive cash advances from credit cards; apply for new ATM and debit cards; activate new credit cards; as well as report and block stolen or lost cards (debit and credit).  Furthermore, the new app allows customers to review their Al Danah chances, view and share their Al Danah certificate, or even open an Al Danah account.

To find out more about Gulf Bank's latest Mobile Banking Application or Online Banking, or any of its products and services, customers can visit the Bank's bilingual website at www.e-gulfbank.com, call the Customer Contact Center on 1805805, or visit one of Gulf Bank's 56 branches for assistance and guidance.