Investigating the Factors Impacting the Adoption of Biometric Technology by South African Banks

This paper investigates the cause for the slow adoption of biometric authentication in the South African (SA) banking sector and constitutes exploratory research. Various definitions of biometrics are analysed to determine the common elements. Based on these elements, a new definition is proposed. This study is limited to the use of biometric technology within the financial services sector. Within the said sector, specific focus is placed on the four leading SA banks. A survey was conducted and forty usable responses were received. The initial results of the survey are analysed and interpreted in this article. The survey also provides insight into current and future biometric technologies used for authentication purposes within the financial services sector. The value of this article is that is provides insight into the current state of biometric technology in SA.