# Assistive Banking Apps The 'Barclays Access' Bank Technology Improves Accessibility for Customers By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2014-12-03 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bank-technology References: [engadget](http://www.engadget.com/2014/12/02/barclays-trial-ibeacons/) & [newsroom.barclays](http://www.newsroom.barclays.com/Press-releases/Barclays-to-Trial-Beacon-Technology-in-Branch-bf9.aspx) Having implemented ways for customers to transfer cash using only their mobile number and setting up [authentication codes for fingerprint scanners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biometric-system) in the past, and now, experimenting with the use of Beacons in its branches, [Barclays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-samsung-galaxy-card) has proved that it's always on the forefront of bank technology. The bank is now testing a service called Barclays Access, which will notify a staff member when a customer in need of accessibility aid enters the branch through the use of iBeacon technology. Rather than having to verbally repeat these needs every time a customer enters the branch, this app makes it so that they can opt-in one time by providing details through an app. The app also makes it so that a photo can be uploaded, so that the customer can easily be identified when they enter the branch by the staff member at the front desk with an [iPad](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eyetracking-platform). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 71% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Mobile Banking Accessibility:** Developing banking apps that improve accessibility for customers with disabilities by using technologies like iBeacon. - **Personalized Customer Service:** Creating apps that allow customers to provide their needs and preferences once, so staff members can easily identify and assist them in the future. - **Facial Recognition Technology:** Exploring the use of apps that utilize facial recognition to easily identify customers with disabilities when they enter a bank branch. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Banking:** Banks can innovate by developing assistive banking apps that improve accessibility and personalize customer service. - **Technology:** Technology companies can develop facial recognition apps and iBeacon solutions to enhance accessibility and improve customer experience in the banking industry. - **Customer Service:** Companies specializing in customer service can create apps that streamline the identification and assistance process for customers with disabilities in various industries, including banking. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Text-Resizing Mobile Banking Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/text-resizing.md) - [Accessibility-Focused POS Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/payment-terminal-solutions.md) - [Accessibility-Focused Financial Application Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-nemo.md) - [Accessibility-Focused Evaluation Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessibility-scores.md) - [Assistive Shopping Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/assistive-shopping-app.md) - [In-Store Visual Assistance Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/be-my-eyes-and-tesco.md) - [Assistive Alcohol Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/assistive-technology1.md) - [Grocery Store Accessibility Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfservice-checkouts.md) - [Tactile Payment Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mastercards-touch-card.md)