ASB Bank New Zealand Limited (ASB) addresses biometric information processing primarily in its Privacy Statement and Mobile Banking Terms and Conditions, treating it as sensitive personal information under the Privacy Act 2020.⁠Asb

Account closure is governed by ASB’s Personal Banking Terms and Conditions (October 2025 version) and detailed in customer help resources.⁠Asb +1

These policies are publicly available on ASB’s website (asb.co.nz) as of the latest available versions (Privacy Statement referenced with updates into 2025; Personal Banking Terms effective October 2025; Mobile Banking Terms effective March 2026). The Privacy Statement explicitly states that it does not replace the terms and conditions governing the customer relationship.⁠Asb

Biometric Information Processing Policy

ASB’s Privacy Statement classifies biometric information (such as fingerprints or facial scans) as sensitive information. It is collected and used only for specific purposes: automated biometric verification or biometric identification, or (in the case of behavioural profiling) to detect suspicious financial and cyber activities, including fraud.⁠Asb

Key excerpts from the Privacy Statement:

• “biometric information (such as fingerprints or face), where this information is collected and used for the purpose of automated biometric verification or biometric identification”
• “Biometric information (such as fingerprints or face), where this information is Collected and Used for the purpose of automated biometric verification, biometric identification, or behavioural profile information (such as your keystroke typing patterns or scrolling or swiping activity) while you interact with us digitally, to detect suspicious financial and cyber activities, including fraud.”⁠Asb

ASB also collects related digital information when customers use online or mobile services, including “type of authentication used (for example touch ID or face ID)”. This is not automatically linked to the individual unless needed for fraud or security reasons. Further details appear in the Mobile Banking Terms and Conditions.⁠Asb

Practical use in services:

• The ASB ID app (for identity verification/onboarding or address confirmation) uses NFC scanning of an eligible e-passport or NZ driver licence plus a “selfie-style” facial scan. The data is forwarded (with consent) to trusted third-party providers for automated verification. Third parties retain the information only for a short period; ASB complies with the Privacy Act 2020 and uses strong encryption.⁠Asb +1
• Mobile app/device authentication: Biometrics (fingerprint or face identification) serve as “Security Credentials” alongside username/PIN/password. Customers must keep these confidential, not allow others to store their biometrics on the device if biometrics are enabled on ASB apps, and notify ASB immediately if another person may access the device or biometrics. Failure to do so can affect liability for unauthorised use.⁠Asb

Collection, use, storage, and disclosure (general Privacy Statement rules applying to biometrics):

• Collected directly from the customer (e.g., via app) or, in limited cases, from third parties for verification/fraud prevention.
• Used for identity confirmation, fraud/risk management, legal compliance (e.g., AML/CFT), and service provision.
• Stored securely in New Zealand or overseas (with safeguards) using physical, electronic, and other measures. May be shared with related companies (CommBank Group), service providers, regulators, or law enforcement where required or consented.
• Customers have rights to access, correction, and complaint under the Privacy Act 2020; ASB provides contact details for privacy queries.⁠Asb

Mobile Banking Terms and Conditions (Section 16) further confirm that by using mobile services, customers permit ASB to collect, hold, use, and disclose personal information (which can include images uploaded or biometric authentication data) in accordance with the terms, the Privacy Statement, and the Open Banking Privacy Statement (where applicable). Third-party partners handle data per their own privacy policies.⁠Asb

No public policy document specifies exact retention periods for biometric templates beyond the “short period” noted for third-party ID verification or general secure storage obligations. Behavioural data (e.g., keystrokes, swipes) used for fraud detection is generated from digital interactions and handled under the same sensitive-information framework.⁠Asb

ASB does not require customers to provide biometrics, but refusal may limit access to certain digital services (e.g., ASB ID app or biometric login).⁠Asb

Account Closure Requirements

Customer-initiated closure (Personal Banking Terms and Conditions, Clause 29.2; practical guidance on help pages):

• Customers may close an account or end a service by advising ASB at any branch or by phone. Closing all accounts and ending all services terminates the overall agreement.⁠Asb
• Practical steps (ASB Help – “How do I close my account?”):
  • Prerequisites: Download statements/documents; move automatic payments/direct debits; pay any overdrawn amounts, loans, or credit card balances; ensure the account balance is zero.
  • Single-signatory accounts: Use the ASB Mobile Banking app (select account → “Close this account” and follow prompts), send a secure message via FastNet Classic (include account number), or visit a branch with two forms of ID (including photo ID).
  • Joint accounts requiring two or more signatories: All signatories must attend a branch with ID.
• ASB Securities or KiwiSaver accounts have separate forms/processes (e.g., specific closure form or Inland Revenue involvement for KiwiSaver full payout).⁠Asb

Bank-initiated closure or termination (Personal Banking Terms and Conditions, Clauses 29.3–29.4 and 13.1):

• ASB may close an account or end a service by giving at least 14 days’ written notice.⁠Asb
• Immediate closure/suspension (no notice) is permitted if:
  • The customer (or someone they allow) is using or obtaining the service illegally, fraudulently, unlawfully, or improperly (including breaching the Acceptable Use Policy).
  • Continuing the agreement would cause ASB to breach a court order or other legal requirement.
  • The customer has otherwise broken the terms and conditions.
• Additional suspension/refusal triggers (Clause 13.1) include fraud risk, failure to provide information, insufficient funds, legal/sanctions requirements, disputes, bankruptcy/insolvency, or unmet identification obligations.⁠Asb +1

Obligations upon closure (Clause 30):

• Customer must repay all owed amounts (overdrafts, loans, cards, fees, interest) and return any ASB property/devices on request.
• ASB will transfer any remaining funds (after retaining amounts for liabilities, legal requirements, or losses) and cancel direct payments.
• Statements remain available for seven years post-closure.⁠Asb +1

These policies align with New Zealand regulatory obligations (e.g., AML/CFT, Privacy Act 2020) and may be updated; customers should check the latest versions on asb.co.nz/legal or asb.co.nz/documents for their specific products. For personalised advice, contact ASB directly.