Singtel partners AIS and Maxis to fight digital scams

Singtel has signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with ASEAN telcos AIS and Maxis to enable network-based authentication for mobile subscribers in Thailand and Malaysia respectively. This marks the first-ever international federation of telco application programming interfaces (APIs) in the world, involving telcos from three countries working together to help enterprises access real-time telco network data to strengthen authentication and combat fraud.

The authentication is driven by SingVerify, a suite of solutions that authenticates digital identities registered on consumer services or platforms against telco data. Developed by Singtel, SingVerify is built on telco APIs that are interoperable and based on GSMA’s common framework of industry standards and protocols.

According to a report by LexisNexis Risk Solution, the overall attack rate for mobile apps in Asia Pacific is higher than the global average with majority being carried out by automated bots, targeting e-commerce payment transactions.

Ng Tian Chong, CEO Singtel Singapore said: “The rise of e-commerce in the region has opened more avenues for digital fraud, significantly impacting consumers and businesses. Together with AIS and Maxis, we can combat this rising digital fraud and protect our customers more effectively.

"Tapping into our telco data and collective expertise, we will be able to seamlessly authenticate, protect and mitigate financial fraud so our customers across Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia can enjoy a safe digital lifestyle. We will continue to lead the charge against digital fraud and encourage more MNOs* to come onboard to build a stronger defence for all.”

SingVerify will help mitigate the incidence of illegal account takeovers and unauthorised transactions that result from phishing and malware app scams. It also enables a smoother multifactor authentication process as consumer’s digital identities are verified instantly and directly between the telco and service providers. The two APIs that will be first federated by AIS and Maxis include Number Verify, an application that validates customers’ identities by matching their phone numbers with their registered account details on the service provider’s platform and device location. 

“This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to safeguarding our customers and the digital ecosystem,” said Asnee Wipatawate, Head of Enterprise Telecom Technology Product Department at AIS.

“By combining our expertise and resources with Singtel and Maxis, we are creating a powerful platform that will enhance trust and security for businesses and consumers across Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. The joint Number Verification API will provide businesses and platforms with a robust tool to domestically and regionally authenticate user identities through real-time phone number verification. By leveraging the combined strengths of those telcos, the API will offer a comprehensive and secure solution to protect against a wide range of fraudulent activities, including account takeovers, and phishing attacks. 

"The Number Verification API will be available to businesses across multiple industries, including financial services, e-commerce, and online gaming. By integrating this API into their systems, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of fraud and enhance customer trust.” 

Goh Seow Eng, CEO of Maxis said: “As Malaysia’s leading integrated telco, we provide fast, reliable, and secure connectivity that meets the needs of customers. This collaboration protects customers against online threat actors so they can progress on their digital transformation journey with peace of mind.”

The collaboration will support over 45 million customers in Thailand and 12 million customers in Malaysia. All three telcos will explore opportunities to federate more APIs in the future. The agreements were inked by Lee Kwang Yong, VP, Enterprise Products, Singtel Singapore, Wipatawate representing AIS, and Irfan Zainudin, Head of Advanced Analytics and Insights, Enterprise, Maxis at Digital Nation Summit Singapore on 25 July 2024.

Singtel had previously signed a MoU with M1 in Singapore to combat the global problem of digital fraud at a national level in Singapore.

The federation works in accordance with the GSMA Open Gateway** framework, a globally-recognised initiative that is designed to provide universal access and ensure swift deployment and integration across different mobile networks, allowing more service providers and end users to benefit from the solution.

Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at the GSMA, said: “I’m delighted three of Asia’s most innovative mobile operators have come together, through the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, to tackle online fraud and help increase consumer trust in new digital services across Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Fraudulent attacks can have a profound impact on victims, including financial losses and distress, resulting in a degradation of trust in digital platforms. 

"Cybercriminals operate beyond national borders, so it’s vital that mobile operators and developers of digital services unify behind a common approach to fraud prevention wherever they are in the world.”

Dr Ong Geok Chwee, CEO of Bridge Alliance, an association of major mobile telcos in Asia, Australia, Africa and the Middle East said: “Bridge Alliance has been working closely with our member operators and industry partners to advance regional telco API federation, building on the momentum of the GSMA’s Open Gateway framework and CAMARA API standards. 

"With the newly- launched Bridge Alliance API exchange BAEx, our alliance has a timely opportunity now to lead the charge in serving the needs of enterprises in areas leveraging telco assets, such as network-based authentication. We are excited to witness the spirit of collaboration between our members and look forward to working with more members to accelerate telco API exposure and unlock the value of our telco capabilities.”

*MNO stands for mobile network operator.

**GSMA Open Gateway is a framework of common network APIs designed to provide universal access to operator networks for developers. With the support of 39 mobile operator groups, covering 228 mobile networks and 64% of connections worldwide, GSMA Open Gateway represents a paradigm shift in the way the telecoms industry designs and delivers services in an API economy world.