The British introduced finger-printing for various government/official documentation in their colonies (where they used to be a high number of the population did not know how to write or sign their names) and with most government traditions, the practice still continues to this day.

Many pax willingly let images of their eye be taken so that they can use IRIS to clear UK immigration quickly. Finger prints are no different.

I would rather my credit card carry a copy of my finger prints or my IRIS to prevent credit card fraud. It is an efficient security device.