NatWest has confirmed it will change how it handles customers’ biometric data from May 20, 2026, as part of an update to its digital banking systems.
The bank said users do not need to take any action, with the change already communicated via email to online banking customers. Biometric data, such as voice or facial recognition, is used to verify identities when accessing accounts.
Currently, NatWest relies on customer consent to process this information. However, from the May deadline, it will switch to using “legitimate interests” under data protection law as the legal basis for handling biometric data.
The bank said the update will not affect how the technology works, adding that the shift is intended to support security measures and help prevent fraud while maintaining its growing digital services.
