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Rise of Neobanks: Are they a threat to traditional banks?

Neobanks are digital-only financial institutions that do not have a physical branch network. They are based in the United States. In most cases, they are fintech companies that offer mobile applications and accompanying technologies that automate as well as simplify online banking. Numerous new financial institutions (neobanks) provide just a restricted range of financial products, mostly checking and savings accounts, to customers. Nevertheless, the ideology of neobanks is more important than the technology they use — they offer easier and more transparent financing than traditional banks, and they frequently appeal to a certain niche or population.

It is a worldwide phenomenon that has been actively fostered by governments, regulators, and customers alike. Neobanks, also known as “challenger banks,” have risen in recent years as a result of the advent of the internet. The COVID-19 epidemic spurred a desire for digital banking to the degree that neither government nor financial body could have anticipated or prepared for at the time. Amid concerns about how the digital banking industry may affect financing sources, the biggest digital banks have seen their stock prices skyrocket. The number of private neobank “unicorns” now stands at 83, each having a pre-money value over USD $1 billion.

Neobanks and how they function

Because they are not chartered, neobanks are not as widely used as regular banks; nonetheless, it is usual for neobanks to cooperate with chartered banks. It is possible that your deposits are protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation if you have a connection with a chartered bank, but you should look for the FDIC emblem to be certain.

Neobanks are changing the traditional banking system.

In order to serve all customers, whether they are cash-strapped or not, most neobanks have minimal or no fees and allow for early deposit access. Their strategy is entirely digital, consisting of smart mobile applications and user-friendly website design. Neobanks aspire to provide the ease, flexibility, and transparency that today’s banking clients are increasingly looking for.

Traditional bank versus neobank

The financial industry has seen a significant transformation in recent years. The use of digital payments has increased more than ever among consumers. For example, more than 2,000 fintech companies have launched operations in India alone in the past year. Traditionally used banking channels and cash payments are being phased out by the general public. The growth of fintech in India has facilitated the success of platforms such as Gpay, as well as other similar services and applications. As seen by their expansion, neobanks have a large and potentially lucrative user base. In comparison to these new-age digital banks, traditional banks do not provide the same level of flexibility.

Scale is important, as conventional corporations have shown via their actions. Consumers place a high value on the variety of products available. Forcing a consumer to travel elsewhere for things that you do not provide is a significant hurdle if convenience is your primary selling point. Brand and dependability are also crucial considerations, as we have seen with recent platform failures and security breaches that have affected conventional financial institutions (such as banks).

Neobanks can give clients experience-based value and solve their existing pain points by concentrating on innovation, speed, and distinction, therefore fully separating themselves from their competitors’ present offerings and increasing their market share. Because their fundamental banking systems are structured on a network of microservices, they are able to adopt new features and updates with a shorter lead time than their competitors. Though neobanks cannot anticipate entering the market with a high rate of profitability, they must aim to monetize beyond their current lineup, as well as their nimble staff must convert into an atmosphere that fosters ongoing innovation and experimentation.

Touch of Individuality

Essentially, Neo bank functions as a personal financial manager. A single app dashboard from Neos not only provides access to all of a client’s bank accounts, whether they are owned by an individual or a company group, but it can also be used to handle bank reconciliation, bookkeeping entries, budgeting, and wealth enhancement activities. Because these add-on solutions deliver them with both a macro and micro view of their clients’ economic standing at any given point in time, they can use this information to inspire their clients to choose the best resources for obtaining funds, ultimately creating an advantageous situation for everyone. Once money has been sitting in a client’s bank account for an extended length of time, a Neo Bank can give an investment recommendation in liquid funds, just like a personal financial manager would do.

Conclusion

Neo banks want to serve a specific set of clients in order to give innovative approaches to them by knowing their demands on a micro-level. This allows them to maintain the shine of that personal touch while still providing them with groundbreaking solutions.

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