Absa launches WhatsApp banking dubbed 'Abby'

Absa Bank Kenya has launched a new innovation that allows its customers to access their accounts and transact via WhatsApp.

The bank has given this functionality a human personality as a dedicated, always-on banking assistant, named Abby.

Through this innovation, customers will be in a position to conduct some of the most popular digital transactions in the market such as account-to-Mpesa/Airtel Money transfers, inter-account transfers, bill payments, balance enquiry, among others, on WhatsApp.

Speaking during the official launch of this service on Tuesday, Managing Director Jeremy Awori said the move is a demonstration of the bank’s commitment to continue investing in digitally led innovative solutions.

He said the bank has committed to invest at least Sh1.6 billion this year towards digitsation, automation and innovation.

“Essentially, we are transforming banking from being a series of complex transactions into a simple conversation on WhatsApp,” he said.

“We have shaped a rich historyas a bank of many firsts and today we are excited to continue on this streak of innovation.”

Awori said they have installed a multi-layered approach from a security perspective.

He said traffic between the phone, WhatsApp and the back end are fully encrypted.

“The second layer of security is around registration. When we register a customer, we look at the cellphone number, we analyze whether it has been SIM-swapped or not and make sure that the registered cellphone number is tied to the customer’s profile at Absa,” he said.

To register for Absa WhatsApp banking, Save Abby’s number 0710 130 000 as a contact on your cell phone.

Open WhatsApp and search for Abby in your contact list.

Say ‘Hello’ to register and follow the steps to start transacting.