In the
first part of this article, we took a dive into what the metaverse is in the context of banking, what its benefits are and how it is affecting bank and consumer relationships now and in the future. Metaverse banking is undoubtedly the next phase of banking, but is it really a new concept? While the component technologies of the metaverse have been around for a while, their convergence has ushered in a new period of innovation for the banking industry. According to Accenture’s Technology Vision 2022 survey, 67% of banking executives worldwide believe that the metaverse will impact their organization positively, while 38% state it will be a transformational technology.
Here are some organizations that are at the frontline of the metaverse
banking revolution.
KB Kookmin Bank:
One of South Korea’ s most prominent financial institutions, KB Kookmin Bank, has a virtual bank that allows customers to access their financial information as well as get professional advice from a financial advisor through a VR-based interaction.
BNP Paribas:
The global banking group has a VR alternative for their retail banking customers. It offers a virtual reality app that enables users to access their account activity and transactions in a VR environment.
Bank of America:
Going one step ahead with its workforce management and training, Bank of America uses VR to train staff at its 4,300 financial centers across the country. VR environment training lets bank employees do complicated tasks in a simulated environment where they learn how to interact with customers and make sales.
J.P. Morgan:
J.P Morgan launched an Onyx lounge, a virtual lounge in the metaverse of Decentraland, which is itself a blockchain-based VR system. The bank enables cross-border payments, trading, foreign exchange, and financial asset creation, while Onyx facilitates blockchain wholesale transactions.
HSBC:
HSBC has gone ahead and bought a plot of land in the metaverse called The Sandbox, aimed at engaging sports and gaming fans.
The Challenges Ahead and the Takeaway:
As in social media or interactions in the real world, banks and other brands may be exposed to a variety of legal issues by using metaverses. Similar to how many didn't anticipate the potential adverse effects of personal abuse and the dissemination of "fake news," the extent of the risks may be difficult to predict at this stage.
Despite the challenges, the metaverse offers an exciting possibility for banks. It could reduce the friction between modern digital platforms and offer a seamless
consumer experience and a new way to move data without hindering security and data privacy. It’s a radical new technology, and financial institutions who are still considering its impact must start planning to enter the metaverse in the next couple of years.