Macau is requiring facial recognition and identification card checks at ATMs before UnionPay cardholders can withdraw cash, a stepped-up measure aiming to curb money laundering in the world’s largest casino hub, analysts said yesterday.
Holders of China UnionPay cards issued by banks in the mainland must show their identification cards and have their identities verified through a facial recognition system for ATM cash withdrawals, according to a Macau government statement on Sunday. The technology will be eventually applied to all ATMs, focusing on ones in casinos, according to the statement.“The government spares no effort to implement anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism rules,” it said in the statement.
This photo taken at a bank in Taipa on Sunday shows an ATM machine with the new Know Your Customer (KYC) technology installed. Photo: Annie Cheung
