In this paper, the dual tree complex wavelet transform, which is an important tool and recent advancement in signal and image processing, has been generalized by coalescing dual tree complex wavelet transform and fractional Fourier transform. The new transform, i.e. the fractional dual tree complex wavelet transform (FrDT-CWT) inherits the excellent mathematical properties of dual tree complex wavelet transform and fractional Fourier transform. Possible applications of the proposed transform are in biometrics, image compression, image transmission, transient signal processing etc. In this paper, biometric is chosen as the primary application and hence a new technique is proposed for securing biometrics during communication and transmission over insecure channel. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.