The enhanced application allows users to carry out banking transactions through voice commands, powered by an in-app virtual assistant known as SAW. The feature is designed to enable end-to-end transaction processing without the need for manual data entry, offering a hands-free alternative to traditional app navigation.
The bank explained that the virtual assistant is built with voice recognition technology that adapts to individual speech patterns. Users can also personalise the assistant based on gender preference, while an additional passcode layer has been introduced to strengthen security during voice-enabled transactions.
Wema Bank said the development reflects its broader strategy to improve efficiency, reliability and convenience in digital banking, particularly for customers with fast-paced lifestyles. The voice feature is positioned to support users in completing transactions quickly without interrupting their daily activities.
According to the bank, the upgraded ALAT platform integrates artificial intelligence with enhanced security architecture and is designed to optimise banking services for users both within and outside Nigeria.
Commenting on the upgrade, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, said the innovation builds on the original vision behind ALAT’s launch in 2017—to deliver a forward-looking, globally accessible digital banking solution available around the clock.
Oseni noted that the latest version represents a significant leap, leveraging emerging technologies to meet evolving customer needs. He described “ALAT: The Evolution” as a strategic response to an increasingly AI-driven world, where speed, convenience and seamless user experience are becoming central to financial services.
He added that beyond introducing an AI virtual assistant, the upgraded platform is designed to support customers’ routines by reducing the time and attention required to complete transactions. With simple voice commands, processes that previously took longer can now be completed within seconds, he said.
In addition to voice banking, the upgraded ALAT application introduces other features aimed at improving user experience. These include Tap & Pay, a contactless payment option that enables secure transactions between ALAT users in close proximity, and Uptime Prediction, which shows the service availability status of recipient banks before transactions are completed.
The new features collectively signal Wema Bank’s continued push toward innovation in digital banking, as competition intensifies across Nigeria’s financial technology and banking sectors.