Chapter 4: Finger Vein Technology

4.1 Anti-Spoofing Capability

The core anti-spoofing strength of finger vein technology lies in its reliance on the identification of subcutaneous vascular structures. Unlike facial or fingerprint recognition, finger vein authentication cannot be fooled by replicating surface features. When near-infrared light is projected onto a finger, hemoglobin’s strong absorption of specific infrared wavelengths creates a unique imaging effect. Only flowing blood produces a clear vein image under this spectrum, rendering attacks based on static images, video replays, or physical molds ineffective.

Most deepfake attacks focus on surface mimicry, but finger vein systems detect the vascular network located 1–3 millimeters beneath the skin. This biometric trait is not only invisible from the outside but also impossible to replicate with current technology. Even the most advanced 3D printing methods cannot simulate the optical properties of blood flow in living tissue.

The Matrix system further enhances this natural resilience through multispectral imaging. It captures not only the static vein structure but also dynamic characteristics of blood flow. By analyzing pulse timing patterns, the system can distinguish between a living finger and spoofing attempts. This dynamic liveness detection offers robust defense against increasingly sophisticated attacks.

Additionally, the feature extraction process itself incorporates multi-layer verification. Beyond analyzing vein topology, the system detects variations in vessel diameter, branching angles, and blood density—creating an extraordinarily complex biometric signature that is nearly impossible to replicate even theoretically.

4.2 Contactless

From an engineering perspective, contactless capture in finger vein systems depends on precise optical design. The Matrix system uses high-resolution CMOS sensors paired with specially arranged near-infrared LED arrays to capture clear images from 2–5 cm above the skin. This design eliminates errors caused by finger misplacement or uneven pressure common in contact-based systems.

Contactless operation significantly improves speed. Users simply hover a finger over the scanning zone, and authentication completes in 1–2 seconds—much faster than traditional fingerprint or palm print systems. This rapid response is especially valuable in high-throughput settings such as airport security, corporate access control, or payment authentication.

In terms of universality, finger vein recognition shows outstanding adaptability. Unlike fingerprints, it is unaffected by age, occupation, or skin condition. For instance, elderly users may have worn or faded fingerprints, and manual laborers may have rough or damaged skin—but vein patterns remain stable throughout adulthood. This consistency ensures reliable performance across diverse populations.

The Matrix system also incorporates universal design optimizations. It supports different finger sizes and uses adaptive lighting to ensure image quality under varying environmental light. This inclusive design enables deployment across a wide range of scenarios—from schools to elderly care centers, and from office buildings to industrial facilities.

4.3 On-Device Secure Chip and Data Minimization

A major challenge in biometric systems is how to balance convenience with privacy. The Matrix finger vein system addresses this through on-device secure chip architecture and an innovative “verification cancellation” mechanism—both of which embody the principle of data minimization and offer users unprecedented control over their biometric data.

The use of secure chips represents a key advancement. All biometric data processing and storage occur within the chip’s hardware security boundary, and no raw data ever leaves the device. Even in the case of network breaches or physical access, the user’s biometric information remains protected. The chip adheres to Common Criteria EAL4+ standards, delivering military-grade security.

The generation of biometric templates is done entirely inside the secure chip. Raw vein images are deleted immediately after feature extraction, and only non-reversible, hashed templates are retained. Even if compromised, these templates cannot be used to reconstruct the original biometric pattern. Moreover, each template is encrypted with a device-specific key, making cross-device use impossible.

The “verification cancellation” feature is a user-facing innovation reflecting deep respect for data privacy. Users can delete their biometric templates from the device at any time—an irreversible action. After cancellation, re-registration is required for future use. This grants users full control over their biometric data, aligning with GDPR and other global privacy regulations.

The system strictly enforces data minimization by only collecting the minimum information required for identity verification. It stores no extra personally identifiable information. Templates are fragmented into multiple parts, and no single fragment can perform verification alone—further reducing the risk of data exposure.

Another key privacy safeguard is local processing. All matching and verification tasks are done on the device, eliminating reliance on cloud services or remote servers. This reduces latency and prevents biometric data from ever being transmitted externally—achieving true privacy by design.

4.4 Performance Benchmarks

Biometric systems are typically evaluated using two key metrics: False Acceptance Rate (FAR) and False Rejection Rate (FRR). FAR measures the likelihood of unauthorized users being wrongly accepted, while FRR measures the likelihood of legitimate users being wrongly denied. The Matrix system excels in both areas.

• FAR: The system achieves a FAR of 0.0001%, meaning the probability of falsely accepting an unauthorized user is less than 1 in 100,000. This is vital for high-security environments such as stablecoin transactions and digital asset management.

• FRR: The system reports a FRR of 0.01%, significantly better than industry averages. A low FRR ensures fewer rejections for legitimate users, improving reliability and reducing user frustration.

• Equal Error Rate (EER): EER represents the point where FAR and FRR intersect. The Matrix system achieves an EER of 0.001%, indicating excellent overall performance and a well-balanced system that delivers both security and usability.

In terms of throughput, the Matrix system supports 15–20 authentications per second per device, sufficient for high-traffic environments. Median response latency is 0.8 seconds, preserving seamless checkout flows and user satisfaction.

Environmental tolerance is another hallmark of usability. The system operates in temperatures from -10°C to 50°C, and in humidity up to 95%, ensuring reliable function across a wide climate range. Its light adaptability allows stable performance in both bright outdoor and dim indoor conditions.

Inclusiveness is further reflected in its support for diverse user demographics—including elderly, children, and individuals with physical disabilities. Adaptive algorithms fine-tune parameters based on individual physiology to ensure optimal experience for each user.

Finally, the system’s long-term stability sets it apart. Registered templates remain valid for years without requiring updates. Progressive template updates ensure reliable recognition even as users’ biometric features change subtly over time—reducing maintenance costs and enhancing satisfaction.

Together, these metrics establish the Matrix finger vein system as a high-performance, secure, and user-friendly identity infrastructure—ideally suited to power the next generation of stablecoin ecosystems. Its technical strengths provide a robust foundation for Hong Kong’s digital asset infrastructure and broader ambitions in secure, efficient digital finance.