Equity Bank says thin SIM cards meet global standards

Equity Bank has defended the use of thin SIM cards in its mobile banking service, arguing that the devices meet international standards.

The bank was responding to a suit in which businessman Bernard Murage has asked the High Court to stop the lender from rolling out the services over security concerns allegedly posed by thin SIM technology.

Users will be issued with overlay cards that they will place on top of SIM cards issued by their respective mobile service providers, allowing them access to Equity’s banking services.

Mr Murage argues that the new technology could lead to transmission of data to the main SIM card, potentially relaying private data to mobile service providers.

The bank has in its response said the technology conforms to international standards and has been used in 14 countries including the UK, US, Denmark and China.

“The thin SIM to be used fully complies with the required European Telecommunications Standards Institute, which is an independent standardisation organisation in the industry,” Equity said in court papers.

The Communications Authority of Kenya has backed the lender’s argument, adding that it consulted with international regulator Groupe Speciale Mobile Association (GSMA) in making the decision and the international regulator has not been able to confirm any security risks posed by the technology.