Lloyds Banking Group partners with Microsoft to bring Windows Hello integration for online banking

UK’s Lloyds Banking Group is teaming up with Microsoft to take online banking a step further. As part of the partnership, Lloyds Banking Group will integrate Windows 10’s Windows Hello feature into its online banking systems. The integration won’t be available to all users, but it will be tested as part of a trial program where users will be able to enable Windows Hello authentication for their bank accounts on any of the Lloyds Banking Group banks — including Halifax, Lloyds and Bank of Scotland.

The Windows Hello integration will likely work for users using Microsoft Edge in Windows 10. If users have a Windows 10 device that includes a fingerprint scanner or a camera capable of powering facial recognition in Windows Hello, they will be able to log into their bank accounts online using their face or fingerprint. Windows Hello’s facial recognition is a sophisticated technology that can’t be fooled by a still photograph, and it can also detect users’ face even in very dark lighting.

“Windows Hello enables users to log in to a Windows device in less than two seconds and this use of advanced biometric technology will provide Lloyds Banking Group customers with a more seamless and frictionless experience without compromising security,” said Ryan Asdourian, the Windows & Devices lead of Microsoft UK in a press release.

It isn’t clear how big the trial program for the Windows Hello integration is, but if you have a bank account at Halifax, Lloyds or Bank of Scotland, make sure to ask your local branch whether you can sign-up to try out the Windows Hello integration with your account.