In the rapidly evolving landscape of financial services, the adoption of immersive experiences is emerging as a transformative force that could redefine how banks and capital markets engage with clients and employees. Immersive experiences, which encompass technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), offer novel ways to blend digital interfaces with physical environments, opening up a host of opportunities for innovation within the financial sector.

Immersive technologies can significantly enhance customer engagement by creating more interactive and personalized experiences. For instance, imagine virtual reality tours of bank branches where customers can explore services and products from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, augmented reality can offer personalized investment simulations, allowing clients to visualize potential investment outcomes overlaid onto their current portfolio.

Jeff Kaplan, CEO of SkyView Innovations, highlights the strategic importance of innovation in financial services, stating, “To remain competitive and relevant, financial institutions must embrace emerging technologies that can reshape customer experiences and streamline operations.”

Recently, Skyview announced its acquisition of OMM, a leading experiential design, sport technology and immersive experiences company whose clientele include household brand names like Nike, the Premier League, Wembley Stadium, Samsung, Foot Locker and the NFL, Several financial institutions have already begun leveraging immersive technologies to improve service delivery and employee training.

Bank of America, for example, provides VR training to employees across 4,300 financial centers. This training includes 20 VR simulations focused on skills such as navigating difficult conversations and building stronger client relationships.

On the AR front, the National Bank of Oman (NBO) has implemented an AR app that assists customers in locating the nearest ATMs and branches. This app also enhances customer experience by highlighting the best offers and deals when they enter a mall. Furthermore, AR’s capability to overlay financial data in real-world settings allows users to interact with data in new, intuitive ways—imagine pointing a wearable device at a spreadsheet to see dynamic graphic representations of financial trends.

However, the adoption of immersive technologies in finance is not without challenges. One significant hurdle is the technical expertise required for implementation and maintenance. Moreover, the cost associated with developing and deploying immersive solutions can be prohibitive, particularly for smaller institutions that may not have the resources of larger players like Bank of America or NBO.

This is where Kaplan sees Skyview’s ability to eliminate cost and complexity as a barrier to entry by becoming a one-stop provider who designs, deploys and manages immersive experiences.

“Partnering with OMM is a milestone achievement for Skyview and the first of several acquisitions,” said Jeff Kaplan, CEO of Skyview Innovations. “An established leader with impeccable pedigree, OMM will serve as our platform, the foundation into which we will integrate new businesses and offerings.

“The OMM team brings unparalleled experience in building end-to-end solutions for some of the World’s largest companies and professional sports franchises, leveraging meaningful, interactive content as the foundation for consumer experiences that both articulate brand promise and establish lasting connections with customers.”

For both retail and institutional banking, the potential benefits of immersive experiences in financial services are too significant to ignore. By addressing technical barriers and focusing on cost-effective solutions, banks and capital market firms can position themselves at the forefront of technological innovation, delivering enhanced value to their customers and gaining a competitive edge in a digital-first world.