Comtrade Digital Services, the leading software engineering services and solutions provider, today announced that it has created an automated banking platform for one of the world’s leading messaging apps, Viber. The transformative new solution is set to shake up the payments world, allowing users to carry out a range of banking transactions entirely through a chat-bot.

With the tap of a finger, Viber users of participating banks will now be able to instantly send and transfer money. They will also be able to check their bank balance and access other banking services directly through the app. Recipients of Viber payments will be able to instantly retrieve the money sent to them by using a QR code at an ATM or going to their local branch.

Using agile methodologies, Comtrade Digital Services developed a banking solution with a chat-bot that can understand and process user requests instantly and securely. The product can be integrated directly with banks’ own digital platforms and will help them to compete with emerging Fintech companies. The solution also includes a client acquisition tool that will help banks attract younger customers, who will soon dominate the payments world. The project was completed in just three months.

The banking platform is part of Viber’s recently launched business-oriented platform, ‘Public Accounts’, which allows businesses, brands and individuals to interact with potential customers via the messaging app in a direct, personalised and intuitive manner.

Oliver Lynch, Business Development Director, Comtrade Digital Services, said: “This solution is going to transform the payments world for retail banks, payment processors and their customers. Most banks now have a mobile app, but they don’t provide such innovative, instant payment options as this. This is the only messaging platform that, through an API, can be directly integrated with banks’ existing digital banking channels.

“At Comtrade Digital Services, we are constantly telling businesses that they must be willing to embrace and drive digital transformation in order to stay ahead. That is exactly what Viber has done and I expect many will follow. This marks a whole new era of banking and we can expect a significant proportion of the world’s micro transactions to be carried out over messaging apps and social media platforms in the future.

“Now, it is time for the world’s banks to welcome this new era and seek innovative solutions that will help them retain and attract customers – or be left behind.”

Elad Kojocaru, VP Marketing, Viber, said: “Viber started out as an app that connects people. Now, we are introducing a way for people to start connecting with businesses and brands through the launch of our Public Accounts service. Thanks to innovative technology partners such as Comtrade Digital Services, we enable businesses from traditional industries, such as banking, to enter the instant messaging era and interact with their customers in new ways.”