Internet Bank Adds Fraud Detection Capability

As instant online credit decisioning becomes ubiquitous, Security First Network Bank (SFNB), an Atlanta-basedInternet bank, has launched HNC Software's Capstone Express, an automated credit decision service for which San Diego-based HNC will function as an application service provider (ASP).

The bank, which has been offering online credit decisioning for a year-and-a-half, expects Capstone to refine and improve the process. "Capstone Express is a great solution for what we're trying to do, and so far it's working very well," said Pat Reily, vice president of marketing for SFNB, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada.

SFNB needed the credit application process to be fast and secure, yet adhere to strict risk management guidelines. Capstone Express covers both ends of this equation, providing instant access to the bank's internal databases and to major consumer credit and business reporting agencies. The entire process is invisible to the customer, who need only fill out the application and press the "submit" button.

The product addresses two of the bank's big concerns: limiting the number of applications classified as exceptions, and which must therefore be handled manually; and detecting fraud, particularly identity fraud.

Using HNC as an ASP made a lot of sense to the bank. "It was not practical to buy it," said Reily. "They have great expertise and they can adapt."

Capstone Express is part of a broader initiative by SFNB to improve customer service, integrate service options, and increase fraud detection. "If you're going to need to rely on several pieces of technology-particularly with fraud and credit issues-what's important is that all of this information needs to tie together," said Reily. "These pieces not only need to be strong independent elements, but they also need to be easily integrated."