Open new accounts via mobile banking with ICA
Swedish internet and mBanking: continuing development into the New Year
23 December 2011 | Mobile & SMS | Alexander Hertzell
Mapa recently produced its final quarterly report for 2011 monitoring the Swedish Internet Banking and mBanking Dashboard. Here are some of the major changes that have occurred over the past three months:
Increasing their presence in social media undoubtedly remains a top priority for many of the banks we monitor; Swedbank and IKANO Bank now feature on Facebook, following in the footsteps of most of their competitors. Nordnet meanwhile have broken new ground, being the first Swedish bank to feature on Google+. ICA Banken have links on their Facebook page to their mobile services. They have also launched a new ‘customer forum’ on their website to make better use of customer comments and ideas.
Looking at website improvements overall, Ålandsbanken and Nordea have been the most active this quarter. Ålandsbanken has launched new versions of both its public and secure websites, while Nordea made improvements to its online banking services.
Existing customers can use Mobile Bank ID when logging in to either internet or mobile banking at Swedbank and Skandia bank & försäkring. This provides them with a simplified and more accessible alternative log in.
In the mobile field, Skandia bank & försäkring have become the first Nordic bank to release a new app for Windows Phone. Not many new apps have been released elsewhere but several banks have updated their existing ones to include better features. Among those are Handelsbanken, who have launched a version that makes it possible to pay bills, accept e-invoices and ensure future payments. Another new function from Nordea: customers can now complete some of their activities on the phone through voice commands rather than pressing buttons.
As for mobile web enhancements, the major ones have been made by ICA Banken, who have made it possible to send secure messages and accept e-invoices. However the biggest news is that they now allow customers to open new current and savings accounts within their mobile bank.
Where those developments take us next year remains to be seen; recent evidence certainly suggests further rapid development in the field, in particular regarding mobile payments. Much is expected from companies such as Payair, Seamless Distribution and Izettle.
The recent news that Swedish mobile operators Telia, Tele2, Telenor and 3 are forming a Swedish m-payment joint venture with the aim of providing a range of payment services next year only adds fuel to the fire!