From mid-July ASB says users of its mobile banking service will be able to pay Facebook 'friends' without using a bank account number

In what it describes as a "breakthrough for the New Zealand market," ASB says from the middle of next month ASB Mobile users will be able to pay Facebook ‘friends’ without using a bank account number, even if they're not an ASB customer.

ASB says this service will be introduced through an upgrade to its mobile banking application.

"With the launch, ASB will offer New Zealanders the most comprehensive range of mobile banking services available on both Apple and Android smartphones," says Anna Curzon, ASB’s general manager of brand experience & digital channels.

Curzon says New Zealanders who interact with friends, family and businesses through social media have, on average, more Facebook friends than the typical global Facebook user.

“We know from talking to our customers that they are seeking out quicker, more convenient, and safer ways to make payments that reflect their lifestyle. The next step in this evolution is being able to seamlessly make payments from their smartphone, using Facebook as a channel. We believe Facebook payments will be a popular addition to the range of payment options already available on ASB Mobile which include payments by mobile numbers and email addresses," Curzon says.

Also included in the upcoming new release of ASB Mobile will be the ability for customers to download and register the application on more than one mobile device. Curzon says this is being introduced following customer feedback and targets those wanting to access mobile banking via multiple devices such as through both an iPad and iPhone.

Curzon says ASB Mobile aims to minimise security threats such as malware, phishing and hacking by using the latest encryption technology.

"No personal banking information is stored on the phone. Receivers of payments are also protected with all un-retrieved funds being credited to the payer after 14 days."