British international bank, HSBC has released a Windows Phone app for the region of Brazil. The official solution brings mobile banking to the platform, offering customers new and more convenient ways to manage their money and accounts. If you reside in Brazil, hold an account with HSBC and are looking for an app for your Windows Phone, head on past the break for all the details.

Just like other apps already available on the Windows Phone platform, HSBC offers various banking services through the app. The bank makes use of its secure token generators to provide safe access that doesn't hinder usability. Some features include query balances, latest releases, transfers and payments, plus make withdrawals without your debit card at any HSBC ATM – pretty neat.

Corporate customers are also able to check balances, statements, initiate transfers and make payments while on the go.

It's a start and we're pleased to see part of the banking group come on-board. That said, numerous other markets where HSBC operates (including the UK) are still waiting for official support in the form of apps. Now for the rest of the world to follow, please HSBC.

You can download HSBC from the Windows Phone Store for free (region restricted and Windows Phone 8 only). Thanks, leoberto, for the tip!

Barclays has released an official app for Windows Phone, joining other UK banks already on the platform. Should you hold a Barclays (www.barclays.co.uk) account and own a Windows Phone, it's now simpler than ever to manage your account while on the move. Head past the break for all the details and download links.

Fear not if you're not registered for mobile banking with Barclays as this can be achieved from within the app itself. You'll be required to enter your sort code and account number, verifying your identity with PINsentry or at a Barclays cash machine (unless you already have an activation code).

Once you're set up and good to go, all that's required from that point forth is a 5-digit passcode to log into your account on your Windows Phone – simple and secure. While accessing the app is pretty straightforward, it's still a good layer of security to protect your accounts from unauthorised access.

So, just what are the benefits of using the Barclays Mobile Banking app? Both personal and business account holders are able to manage their accounting without the requirement of a PC. You're able to check out recent transactions and current account balances and much like other banking apps on the platform, you've also got the ability to make payments to people you've paid before, as well as those in your payee list.

Locating your nearest Barclays branch or ATM is a breeze too. The app itself is well designed and works well. We really dig the UI the development team has utilised, offering an intuitive navigation system and making the client not feel like a ported app. A sweet feature of the app is that it has integrated mobile PINsentry, so you're no longer required to carry around your security device.

You can download the Barclays Mobile Banking app from the Windows Phone Store for free.

Mobile banking has continued to take off as more consumers purchase smartphones. Polish mBank (www.mbank.pl) has joined other banking establishments by releasing an official app for Windows Phone. The client enables customers to connect and login to their accounts, check balances, statements and carry out general account management.

All that's required from you to get started is your personal PIN code and full functionality will be unlocked. Balance information and available funds on cards can be viewed without logging in, but to get cracking with account management and more in-depth details requires authentication.

Much like other banking apps, mBank offers the following feature set:

• View the history of operations and previous statements
• Transfer funds to any recipient defined from the contacts list, phone number or other
• View list of credit cards, details and balances
• Live Tile support
• ATM locator
• Exchange rate conversion calculator

The use of Live Tiles is interesting, as one can see from the screenshots above. It's a well-designed app and we're pleased to see yet another bank join the platform. For added security, the app does not store account login information and should you be inactive for 20 minutes, the app will automatically close the session and sign you out.

You can download mBank PL from the Windows Phone Store. Thanks, Mariusz, for the tip!

India-based ICICI Bank has released an official app for Windows Phone, titled iMobile. The official app, much like other solutions already available from international establishments, enables customers to enjoy a variety of mobile banking features and functionality on the smartphone. From viewing details of configured savings to checking out credit cards and loan accounts, iMobile for Windows Phone is a rich experience for those who hold an account with ICICI.

As well as checking balances on the go, it's also possible to make payments while mobile and transfer funds to another account. It's a big deal and we're sure many consumers in India will be pleased to learn their bank of choice now officially supports the platform. For more information, check out the ICICI Bank website.

If you actively use the bank, what are your thoughts on its mobile offering?

• Download ICICI Bank for Windows Phone (free – 3MB)
• Download ICICI Bank for Windows 8

Telephone and internet-based UK bank, First Direct has just launched an official app for Windows Phone. The bank today published a new app to the store, enabling Windows Phone owners to engage in mobile banking while on the move. Just like the array of banking apps already available for Windows Phone, it's possible to check balances, manage accounts and make payments, but it's actually quite limited in that regard.

Currently, as the app stands today, the following features are included in the experience:

• View balances and up to your last 90 transactions
• Make transfers between your accounts with us
• Make payments to a person or organisation you have paid before using Internet Banking

Compared to what's available in other apps from competitive banks, this is actually a rather poor experience. Also, it appears as though this isn't to do with platforms but is a limitation shared by both iOS and Android. That said, it's an official app and is a real life saver for those who enjoy checking their balances while out and about. Unfortunately, the bank is unable to offer its recently launched digital secure key with the app and it's recommended customers check-in on the main website to enjoy full access to all services.

It's v1.0 and we're excited to see the bank finally on Windows Phone. Let's hope the development team adds more functionality in future, alongside a brand new design to really bring the app experience to life with Windows Phone's famous style. We did expect more, however, especially since First Direct boasts how it's an online bank. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

• Download First Direct for Windows Phone

A new third-party Windows Phone app has been released for Swedbank. The approved app, developed by André Claesson, is for those who have an account with the Nordic-Baltic banking group Swedbank. Bankappen enables account holders to manage their finances while on the move, opening up access to balances, transfers and more.

Here are some app highlights, according to the Store listing:

• Review finances
• View account history
• Transfer funds between accounts
• Pay invoices on the go
• Manage recipients for transfers and payments

It's positive to see yet another bank add support for Microsoft's mobile ecosystem, albeit in the form of approval for a platform developer. Just like similar apps from other banks around the world, expect to see basic functionality available after installing to help you get connected when not in front of a PC.

• Download Bankappen for Windows Phone

Thanks, Robert, for the tip!

Today RBS and NatWest rolled out updates for their official apps on Windows Phone, bringing both offerings up to version 3.4. The new releases introduce new designs to better reflect the respective brands, as well as general improvements to how the app is laid out making it easier for customers to manage their accounts.

Since they'e both owned by the same parent bank, here's the full list of changes for the RBS and NatWest apps:

• We've refreshed our app with a new look and feel to reflect the new branding
• We've made it easier to make another payment or transfer by selecting the new payment option
• You can now differentiate between ISA's and Savings accounts
• You can view your CashBack Plus balance
• It is easier and cheaper to contact us with a new basic rate number. This is charged at the same rate as a UK landline
• It is now easier to share our app with your friends and family. You can now recommend it from the more menu

Check out the newly updated apps on the store and let us know how you get on in the comments.

• Download RBS for Windows Phone
• Download NatWest for Windows Phone

Veneto Banca is allowing its Italian customers to access their bank accounts through a new official Windows Phone app. The app itself allows one to use their smartphone to manage accounts, wire funds to contacts, create profiles and view income and expenditure.

It's not just another general mobile banking app too. Veneto Banca has developed an experience with unique functionality like the ability to send a code to a contact for them to withdraw an immediate cash payment. While not everyone will use it on a daily basis, it's good to know such features exist.

As always with banking apps, we recommend you check with your bank for more details on the app itself. It's also good to see yet another establishment offer support for Microsoft's mobile platform to counter reports of bankspulling apps.

Download BankUp for Windows Phone (free)

Thanks, massiomo, for the heads up!

Westpac has released an official mobile banking app for Windows Phone. The Australia-based bank offers a variety of features in the official solution and is a must-have for account holders.

The app not only supports the ability to check account balances, as well as previous transactions, but it also allows for hot-swapping between personal and business accounts. Bills can be paid from within the app, or funds can be wired to available contacts. An interesting feature of the app is the ability to withdraw cash from Westpac ATMs without a debit card.

In case you're a bit lost, the app can also help you locate the nearest ATM or branch in Australia, and while abroad there's the global ATM Alliance Partner Network for savings to be made when withdrawing cash. As an added bonus, the app looks well-designed. The Windows Phone app joins the Windows 8.1 app listed on the Windows Store.

Download Westpac Banking for Windows Phone (free)

Download Westpac Banking for Windows 8.1 (free)

Thanks to everyone who tipped us!

Belgian bank BNP Paribas Fortis has released official apps for Windows 10, which will run on both your PC and Windows 10 Mobile handset. Much like other mobile banking apps, you'll be able to log into your account(s) and view balances, as well as perform various other actions. The app will ensure you remain connected to the bank when not in front of a desk, allowing for transfers and more.

What's more is the app looks rather nice and should be a pleasant experience for those who have been eagerly awaiting its arrival. A clean interface, simple account views and a secure setup make the official apps a must-have for anyone who banks at BNP Paribas Fortis. There's even a demo to walk you through everything.

Download Hello bank! by BNP for Windows 10

A big thanks to Marijn M. for the tip!

First Direct is developing an app for Windows Phone, but unfortunately the app won't be available on the store before the year is out. According to the official Twitter account for the help team, the UK bank has its elves working hard on the official solution, but since it's Christmas, children of course come before those who wish to perform mobile banking.

The above conversation comes from Chris Field, the developer of Mehdoh and Cloudoh. What we're unsure of is whether this move means a HSBC Windows Phone app is also in development, especially given First Direct is a division of HSBC, but we couldn't imagine the bank leaving out a platform other establishments support.

We'll update you all once the First Direct Windows Phone app is finally available.

Source: Twitter (@firstdirecthelp)

Australia's Commonwealth Bank (CommBank) has released a brand new official app for Windows Phone. The bank hasn't paid much attention to the platform with its sub-par app, but this update is certainly a notable upgrade -  version 2 is essentially a complete rewrite. If you've held off previously, you may wish to slide on past the break to see what's new.

The new UI is simply gorgeous and is more intuitive than what was available previously. With the new CommBank app for Windows Phone 7 & 8, you're able to transfer funds to mobile phone numbers, email addresses and even Facebook accounts without the requirement for recipient bank details. Pretty neat way of easily wiring some money without spending countless minutes fetching necessary account info.

It's possible for a 4-digit PIN to be set up for account access, enabling you to quickly check balances without having to sign-in with time consuming security protocols. The app itself is a gateway to your Commonwealth Bank account. The ability to activate new cards, alter PINs instantly, locate nearest CommBank ATM or branches are all included.

If you require those extra features some mobile banking solutions include, you'll not be disappointed here as handy tools and calculators, such as a foreign exchange converter are present. It's worth noting, however, you'll need to have a mobile number, use NetBank and also be registered for NetCode SMS (www.netbank.com.au) to be able to utilise the full suite of features in the app.

Version 2 of this app brings the feature list almost to the level of what's present in both the iOS and Android counterparts. You can download CommBank from the Windows Phone Store for free (available for both Windows Phone 7 and 8).

How are you finding the new app?

Thanks, dzx, for the tip!

If you have an ING Direct account in Australia, you now also have a Windows Phone 8 app. Customers can use the app to check transactions, view account balances, send payments, and find the nearest bank locations. It's great to have these features in an app instead of solely depending on the mobile browser.

Here are the features listed for the initial version:

• Choose to check the balances of favorite accounts without logging in
• See full transaction history (up to three years)
• Transfer money to linked accounts
• Pay anyone, including new people, new billers and anyone in your Address Book
• Let others know you've paid them via SMS or email

ING Direct Australia was established in 1999 and is headquartered in Sydney, offering banking online and via telephone. They’re part of ING Bank Australia. You can download the free app from the Windows Phone Store. Are you one of their customers? Let us know what you think of the app in the comments!

Thanks for the tip, S Vaibhav!

It's already known that UK bank Barclays is working hard on a Windows Phone app and plans to have the client available on the store in 2014, but a recent tweet published by the official account teases that the app is currently being tested internally. The good news? There's clearly not long to go now.

In response to a tweet, Barclays asks everyone to watch their feed for further information regarding the approaching release. Could we see an early 2014 launch? It's certainly possible.

Barclays will join the likes of Royal Bank of Scotland (as well as Natwest) once finally available for Windows Phone. We'll keep our eyes open for any further information that may leak out before the app hits the store. Stay tuned!

Source: Twitter (@BarclaysOnline); thanks, Vince, for the tip!

Turkish regional bank, Akbank has released an official app for Windows Phone. The app, Akbank Direkt was published last month, but has already accumulated numerous positive reviews from consumers. Should you have an account with the establishment and are looking for a mobile banking experience on Windows Phone, this is the app for you.

Much like other banking solutions already available on the Windows Phone Store, consumers are able to take full advantage of a variety of features included to help make managing accounts while on the move that much more convenient. The first thing you'll notice about Akbank Direkt is just how great it looks. The development team has done a superb job with the UI.

Not only that, but we're also looking at an augmented reality experience for location nearby ATMs (see below screenshots). This interface uses impressive functionality we've seen in other apps on the platform to show you exactly where said ATMs are in relation to you.

A fully featured currency converter is bundled with the app, alongside secure registration and login, Turkish and English language support and general functionality one requires to manage their accounts effectively. To unlock the app and get cracking, the bank utilises a single password for convenience, opening up an entire world of options to carry out tasks.

From transferring funds to reviewing transactions made on a specific day, customers with Akbank can also take out personal loans, pay bills and more. Fear not if you're not currently a Akbank customer as the app is still handy as a currency converter or locating a nearest branch (for withdrawals and more) – perfect if you're visiting the country and require some automated assistance.

You can download Akbank Direkt from the Windows Phone Store for free. Be sure to reach out to Akbank (or give them a shout on Twitter) should you have any issues with the app itself.

British international bank, HSBC has released a Windows Phone app for the region of Brazil. The official solution brings mobile banking to the platform, offering customers new and more convenient ways to manage their money and accounts. If you reside in Brazil, hold an account with HSBC and are looking for an app for your Windows Phone, head on past the break for all the details.

Just like other apps already available on the Windows Phone platform, HSBC offers various banking services through the app. The bank makes use of its secure token generators to provide safe access that doesn't hinder usability. Some features include query balances, latest releases, transfers and payments, plus make withdrawals without your debit card at any HSBC ATM – pretty neat.

Corporate customers are also able to check balances, statements, initiate transfers and make payments while on the go.

It's a start and we're pleased to see part of the banking group come on-board. That said, numerous other markets where HSBC operates (including the UK) are still waiting for official support in the form of apps. Now for the rest of the world to follow, please HSBC.

You can download HSBC from the Windows Phone Store for free (region restricted and Windows Phone 8 only). Thanks, leoberto, for the tip!

Barclays has released an official app for Windows Phone, joining other UK banks already on the platform. Should you hold a Barclays (www.barclays.co.uk) account and own a Windows Phone, it's now simpler than ever to manage your account while on the move. Head past the break for all the details and download links.

Fear not if you're not registered for mobile banking with Barclays as this can be achieved from within the app itself. You'll be required to enter your sort code and account number, verifying your identity with PINsentry or at a Barclays cash machine (unless you already have an activation code).

Once you're set up and good to go, all that's required from that point forth is a 5-digit passcode to log into your account on your Windows Phone – simple and secure. While accessing the app is pretty straightforward, it's still a good layer of security to protect your accounts from unauthorised access.

So, just what are the benefits of using the Barclays Mobile Banking app? Both personal and business account holders are able to manage their accounting without the requirement of a PC. You're able to check out recent transactions and current account balances and much like other banking apps on the platform, you've also got the ability to make payments to people you've paid before, as well as those in your payee list.

Locating your nearest Barclays branch or ATM is a breeze too. The app itself is well designed and works well. We really dig the UI the development team has utilised, offering an intuitive navigation system and making the client not feel like a ported app. A sweet feature of the app is that it has integrated mobile PINsentry, so you're no longer required to carry around your security device.

You can download the Barclays Mobile Banking app from the Windows Phone Store for free.

Mobile banking has continued to take off as more consumers purchase smartphones. Polish mBank (www.mbank.pl) has joined other banking establishments by releasing an official app for Windows Phone. The client enables customers to connect and login to their accounts, check balances, statements and carry out general account management.

All that's required from you to get started is your personal PIN code and full functionality will be unlocked. Balance information and available funds on cards can be viewed without logging in, but to get cracking with account management and more in-depth details requires authentication.

Much like other banking apps, mBank offers the following feature set:

• View the history of operations and previous statements
• Transfer funds to any recipient defined from the contacts list, phone number or other
• View list of credit cards, details and balances
• Live Tile support
• ATM locator
• Exchange rate conversion calculator

The use of Live Tiles is interesting, as one can see from the screenshots above. It's a well-designed app and we're pleased to see yet another bank join the platform. For added security, the app does not store account login information and should you be inactive for 20 minutes, the app will automatically close the session and sign you out.

You can download mBank PL from the Windows Phone Store. Thanks, Mariusz, for the tip!

India-based ICICI Bank has released an official app for Windows Phone, titled iMobile. The official app, much like other solutions already available from international establishments, enables customers to enjoy a variety of mobile banking features and functionality on the smartphone. From viewing details of configured savings to checking out credit cards and loan accounts, iMobile for Windows Phone is a rich experience for those who hold an account with ICICI.

As well as checking balances on the go, it's also possible to make payments while mobile and transfer funds to another account. It's a big deal and we're sure many consumers in India will be pleased to learn their bank of choice now officially supports the platform. For more information, check out the ICICI Bank website.

If you actively use the bank, what are your thoughts on its mobile offering?

• Download ICICI Bank for Windows Phone (free – 3MB)
• Download ICICI Bank for Windows 8

Telephone and internet-based UK bank, First Direct has just launched an official app for Windows Phone. The bank today published a new app to the store, enabling Windows Phone owners to engage in mobile banking while on the move. Just like the array of banking apps already available for Windows Phone, it's possible to check balances, manage accounts and make payments, but it's actually quite limited in that regard.

Currently, as the app stands today, the following features are included in the experience:

• View balances and up to your last 90 transactions
• Make transfers between your accounts with us
• Make payments to a person or organisation you have paid before using Internet Banking

Compared to what's available in other apps from competitive banks, this is actually a rather poor experience. Also, it appears as though this isn't to do with platforms but is a limitation shared by both iOS and Android. That said, it's an official app and is a real life saver for those who enjoy checking their balances while out and about. Unfortunately, the bank is unable to offer its recently launched digital secure key with the app and it's recommended customers check-in on the main website to enjoy full access to all services.

It's v1.0 and we're excited to see the bank finally on Windows Phone. Let's hope the development team adds more functionality in future, alongside a brand new design to really bring the app experience to life with Windows Phone's famous style. We did expect more, however, especially since First Direct boasts how it's an online bank. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

• Download First Direct for Windows Phone