March 13, 2015 - Halifax is trialling technology which can authenticate user identities by analysing their unique heartbeat rhythm.

The UK bank is working with Canadian firm Bionym to test the use of the firm's Nymi bracelet for logging on to online banking.

The bracelet has an embedded sensor which recognises the wearer's unique electrocardiogram (ECG) and communicates their identity to terminal devices using Bluetooth.

In September, Bionym raised $14 million on the back of a pre-launch order book for 10,000 of its wearable bracelets.

The firm has already struck a deal with the Royal Bank of Canada and other Canadian banks to test the system in conjunction with contactless card use at the checkout.

So far Halifax is using the technology as a way of allowing users to log into their bank account via their smartphone, without having to key in any PIN or other security details.

Director of innovation and digital development, Marc Lien says: "Exploring innovative technology that will help deliver for our customers and enhance our overall capabilities is a real focus for us at the bank. We are in the very early stages of exploring potential uses for the Nymi Band and wearable technology more widely which will help us further understand how we can serve our customers in the way that best appeals to their needs."