[K bank]
[K bank]

K bank said Monday it will launch an "AI transfer" service that lets customers send money through conversational text or voice commands, without needing to enter an account number.

The AI transfer service works by having the AI interpret what a customer types or says, identify the intended recipient and suggest an appropriate amount based on context. Customers no longer need to manually enter account numbers or scroll through recent transaction histories — they simply type or speak their request.

For example, typing "Send 50,000 won ($34) to Kim Kei" prompts the AI to search past transfer records and pull up the relevant account on the transfer screen. Customers can also register frequently used accounts under familiar nicknames — such as "Mom" — so that saying or typing "Send Mom 50,000 won" is all it takes to complete the transfer.

The service also helps customers decide how much to send. Entering prompts such as "How much should I give my nephew as pocket money?" or "My manager is getting married" leads the AI to analyze the relationship and occasion and suggest an appropriate amount — easing the guesswork around gifts, condolence money, allowances and living expenses.

Finding a recipient has also become more straightforward. Even a partial name, nickname or account number is enough for the AI to surface matching accounts from past transfers in real time, much like a search engine auto-completing a query before the user finishes typing.

The voice transfer feature is available on both Android and iOS — a first in the Korean financial industry, the bank said. Regardless of the smartphone a customer uses, they can complete a transfer simply by speaking the recipient's name and the amount.

The service also includes a final confirmation step before any transfer is executed. The AI recommends transfer details based on the customer's request, but the transaction only proceeds after the customer reviews the information and taps the "Send" button. The system is designed so the AI cannot initiate a transfer on its own, giving customers peace of mind.

K bank has been stepping up its AI offerings for customers. In April, it introduced an "AI integrated search" service that analyzes the intent behind a customer's question — entered in natural sentence form — and returns relevant answers and financial information.

"AI transfer is designed so customers can send money naturally using everyday expressions, without having to remember, copy or paste account numbers," a K bank official said. "We will continue to refine our services using AI technology so that customers can access financial services more easily and conveniently."

K bank is targeting a customer base of 18 million by the second half of this year, with AI, digital assets, and platform and SME market expansion identified as its three key growth drivers as it works to sharpen its competitive edge.


won@heraldcorp.com