The engagement is another testament to VeriSign's leadership in enabling mobile banking and its growing adoption worldwide. VeriSign's Messaging and Mobile Media Division, which works with six of the top 10 banks in the United States, three of the top five credit card issuers, and global leaders in online payment and remittance solutions, saw a 96 percent increase in messaging traffic in 2008 through its mobile banking platform. According to TowerGroup, the number of active mobile banking customers in the U.S. is expected to reach 10 million by 2009, while more than 53 million U.S. consumers will be using mobile banking by 2013(1). In addition, Juniper Research is forecasting that more than 350 million mobile phone users globally will have made use of their mobile devices for banking information purposes by the end of 2013 -- a growth of more than four times from 2008(2).

"At Fifth Third Bank, we continuously seek new ways to enhance the customer experience," said Paul Moore, senior vice president and director, Alternative Delivery at Fifth Third Bank. "The text alert functionality provided by VeriSign enhances our mobile offering and gives customers an actionable and practical way to utilize mobile banking."

Specifically, these SMS alerts will inform customers of recurring events, including statement availability, payment due notice and balance threshold events, such as when their account balance falls under or over a certain amount. Fifth Third Bank will charge no fee for the mobile banking enabled service, but carrier charges for Internet access and text messages may apply.

"Fifth Third Bank is another forward-thinking financial institution that leverages the mobile channel to provide convenience and better service to customers," said Michael Campbell, senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing for VeriSign Messaging and Mobile Media. "Today, mobile banking is not an option, but a mandate for financial service institutions that want to deepen customer relationships and remain competitive. Through our mobile banking solution, we continue to enable banks to reach that leadership status and make anytime, anywhere banking a reality for customers."