fTLD Registry Services announced today that more than 5,500 .BANK applications have been received from members of the global banking community at a retail price of $1,000 + depending on the registrar.
Unlike most domain names, .Bank is restricted so if you want to register a domain you have to fill out an application and provide proof that you qualify to own a .Bank domain
Top locations for .BANK registrations have come from banking institutions across the United States, as well as countries including South Africa, the United Kingdom and Spain.
Early adopters like Kansas City-based Lead Bank are among the banks preparing to switch their .com websites over to the .BANK address, citing the enhanced security features of the domain, including strong encryption and verification requirements, as a key driver of the decision to transition.
Craig Schwartz, managing director of fTLD Registry Services is quoted as saying:
“The strong demand for owning a .BANK domain, since the new web extension was launched last month, shows that banks recognize that the security offered by .BANK will be a critical tool for protecting their customers’ proprietary information,” said. “To customers who visit a .BANK website, the look and feel will be similar to that of other websites, but the use of .BANK will signal their bank’s commitment to online security.”
All applications for .BANK web addresses are verified by Symantec as part of the domain’s enhanced security requirements. This ensures that only banks and other organizations that are eligible for a .BANK name are granted one. Symantec has completed more than 2,000 verifications and .BANK names are reserved for the banks that submitted the applications until the verification process is complete.
To request “A Guide to Leveraging .BANK” please visit www.register.bank/guide/.
.BANK is now open to all eligible organizations.
For complete eligibility requirements, please see the .BANK Registrant Eligibility Policy.
