Credit union adopts Fiserv biometrics for authentication and access control

Merck Sharp & Dohme federal credit union, one of the largest in Pennsylvania, has adopted three Verifast biometric authentication solutions from Fiserv, to boost interaction security between staff and members, and facilitate faster employee system and business access, the company announced.

“Verifast delivers a rare combination of speed and security that facilitates an excellent experience for our members and employees,” said Dave Whitehead, CEO, Merck Sharp & Dohme FCU. “I use Verifast daily – it’s simple, it’s smart, and we’re proud to be an industry leader in biometrics thanks to what we’ve built with Fiserv.”

The credit union has incorporated a number of palm vein authentication solutions that use light to capture unique palm vein patterns. Once a member places the palm on the reader, the information immediately pops up on the screen thanks to Verifast Branch. Fiserv’s solutions save members’ time by enabling quick sign in without passwords, according to the announcement. Verifast SSO is used to authenticate employees, while Verifast Acces is used as a door entry system to replace keycards and traditional building access methods.

“Building access is a big-ticket item in facilities management,” said Dave Shannen, facility manager, Merck Sharp & Dohme FCU. “The introduction of Verifast Access has been transformational for my workflow and for our staff. We don’t have to manage lost or temporary fobs and can easily facilitate differing levels and terms of access for staff and visitors alike. There is nothing to remember or bring because your palm is always with you.”

Almost 60 percent of consumers would replace passwords and PINs with biometrics, found a recent quarterly consumer survey from Fiserv, up 10 percent from two years ago.

Merck Sharp & Dohme is one of the first financial institutions in the U.S. to embrace biometric technology at such level, and the first to implement Verifast Access, the company’s say. The credit union currently has some 30,000 employees and contractors.

Article Topics

access management  |  banking  |  biometrics  |  financial services  |  Fiserv  |  palm vein authentication