Neobanks: The Metaverse of Banking?
Cash is no longer king, as digital payments reign supreme. Neobanks are leading the charge in the shift towards online banking, providing innovative and customer-centric solutions that challenge traditional banks to up their game.
WRITTEN BY ABHAY VASHISTHA
PUBLISHED FEB 12, 2023
"Cash is no longer king, as digital payments reign supreme. Neobanks are leading the charge in the shift towards online banking, providing innovative and customer-centric solutions that challenge traditional banks to up their game."
Imagine walking into a bank, but instead of being greeted by a teller, you are met with a virtual assistant who can help you with all your financial needs. No lines, no paperwork, no waiting around. Welcome to the world of Neobanking.
The term "Neobank" may sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it's actually a real thing. Neobanks are digital-only financial institutions that offer all the services of a traditional bank, but without the physical locations. They exist entirely online, and their customers can access their accounts from anywhere in the world, using their mobile phones or computers.
The rise of Neobanks in recent years has been nothing short of phenomenal. The financial crisis of 2008 and the development of innovative financial technology have been commonly cited as some of the key reasons behind the intense development of Neobanks. And it's not just tech-savvy millennials who are using Neobanks. People of all ages and backgrounds are turning to it for its simplicity, convenience, and lower fees.
Neobanks rely primarily on innovative technology, allowing them to have lower costs and attract new customers. They have managed to reduce loan processing time by eliminating or modifying some obsolete processes, adapting credit scoring models, and verifying customer credit scores using multiple data sources. Customers can see the loan amount and the quoted interest rate for their loan almost instantly, which is not the case with incumbent banks.
Although Neobanks are often referred to as banks, they are not entirely considered banks, which makes them less regulated than their traditional counterparts. This has made them an attractive option for investors, who have supported Neobanks with significant funding amounts to further develop their business activities. The market size of Neo and Challenger banks was estimated at nearly 47 billion U.S. dollars in 2021. Estimates projected the sector’s market size to grow at an annual average rate (CAGR) of 53.4% until 2030, reaching a value of 2.05 trillion U.S. dollars.
But it's not just about the numbers. Neobanks are also changing the way people think about banking. For one, they are disrupting the traditional banking industry by offering financial products and services online, reducing costs, and improving processing time. This has forced traditional banks to up their game and invest more in technology and innovation to stay competitive.
Secondly, NeoBanks are also challenging the notion that banking has to be a stuffy and serious affair. They are using playful and vibrant branding and marketing strategies to appeal to younger customers who are looking for a more personalized and engaging banking experience. They offer features like personalized savings goals, spending insights, and round-up savings that make banking more fun and interactive.
Neobanking involves digital banking services offered by fintech firms. Innovative ideas could significantly enhance the customer experience from Neo Banks that create innovative financial services that blur the line between digital and physical banking.
Neo Banks can offer a metaversical experience by offering virtual branch banking experience, the ability to interact with virtual tellers or relationship managers, and conduct their banking activities in a more engaging, personalized setting. This approach could help recreate the personal touch that some customers may miss from traditional physical banks.
Neo Banks could potentially offer gamification and rewards on their platform by incentivizing users to engage with their financial services and achieve specific financial goals. These experiences could include virtual treasure hunts, investment challenges, or financial quests that users can participate in, earning rewards in the form of digital currency, discounts, or exclusive immersive digital reality experiences.
Lastly, Neo Banks could leverage the metaversical platform for financial education and advisory services. Banks could create immersive, interactive experiences that teach users about personal finance, investment strategies, and other related topics. Users could attend virtual seminars, explore simulated financial scenarios, or consult with AI-driven financial advisors.
Neo Banks – An opportunity to provide metaversical personalized banking experience
Neo banks have a unique opportunity to enhance the customer experience by providing a seamless blend of digital and physical banking. By incorporating metaverse technology, they can create immersive and engaging experiences that make banking more accessible and enjoyable for their customers.
As more people embrace the digital lifestyle and become comfortable with using technology for their financial needs, neobanks are well-positioned to be at the forefront of this revolution. They are nimble, innovative, and customer-focused, and these are the qualities that will help them thrive in the ever-evolving world of finance.