bunq introduces real-time AI speech translation in banking app

By Gloria Methri

bunq has announced a significant upgrade to its AI assistant, Finn, making it the first bank globally to introduce real-time speech-to-speech translation within its app. The enhanced Finn is now capable of instantly translating both the user’s speech and the support agent’s responses in real time, ensuring a smooth conversation without the need for external translation apps.

Besides, Finn now understands and processes visual information and makes the bunq app available in more than 30 languages.

Users will now be able to contact a bunq employee by phone within the app. When doing so, they will be able to converse in their native language, with the bunq app translating their voice and the responses of the support guide in real time. Users will always be able to choose if they need real-time AI translation or to talk to the support agent in English.

In addition to real-time translation, the enhanced Finn now includes image recognition to streamline everyday tasks. Users can now upload receipts and documents directly into the app, and Finn will automatically process the information, including pre-filling invoice details and setting up payments in seconds.

For business users, it is easier than ever to manage multiple receipts – upload them from the phone gallery, and Finn will handle the rest. Finn will also help verify users’ documents: for example, students can now upload their proof of enrollment right into their chat with Finn, and the AI assistant will check if a user is eligible for a free student plan with bunq.

The bunq app itself is now available in more than 30 languages, thanks to Finn’s AI-driven capabilities. Users can navigate the app in their preferred language, and Finn will also ensure that messages from support maintain bunq’s friendly and approachable tone. Additionally, users can provide feedback on translations, helping Finn continuously improve through every user interaction.

Ali Niknam, founder and CEO of bunq, said on the upgrade, “We have always used technology to make life easy, and this update takes that to a new level. We are excited to break down language barriers and simplify tedious tasks, making bunq more accessible (and fun) to users all over the world.”