A voice-recognition smartwatch banking app developed by Bath-based IT services firm IPL for building society Nationwide is in the running for two top industry awards.
The cutting-edge app, built in less than a month, enabled Nationwide to become the UK’s first financial service provider to offer its customers real-time balances on Android watches. 
Working in conjunction with Nationwide’s existing Android app, also developed with IPL, it allows customers to check their account entirely hands-free and without even signing into the app.
It has now been selected as a finalist in the 'best use of mobile' and 'financial sector innovation' categories of the 2015 FStech awards, which recognise excellence in the financial technology sector.
The app forms part of Nationwide’s acclaimed digital transformation, which has created an award-winning online bank, a series of mobile apps for customers and mortgage intermediaries, 24/7 customer service via Twitter, as well as making Nationwide the first UK organisation to offer Visa’s V.me mobile wallet.
Nationwide head of customer experience engagement, Kate Watson, said: “Digital is all about giving people easier and more convenient ways to manage their money, and the smartwatch capability is the latest step in our journey. IPL continues to play an important role in helping us achieve our digital aims and their staff consistently go the extra mile.”
IPL delivery director David Shepherd added: “First mover advantage is immensely important in this competitive market, and we’re extremely proud to have pulled out all the stops to again help Nationwide get cutting-edge digital capability out there ahead of their competition.
“IPL’s digital journey approach is all about helping our customers deliver new capabilities quickly, all the while building towards a grand vision. This ethos aligns perfectly with Nationwide’s digital strategy.”
IPL has worked with Swindon-based Nationwide, the world’s largest building society, for 15 years.
