German DekaBank opens a branch in the Metaverse: the Dekaverse

After nearly every major bank in the world, from JPMorgan to BNP Paribas, has dipped into the metaverse in recent months, the German Deka is following suit.

After nearly every major bank in the world, from JPMorgan to BNP Paribas, has dipped its toe into the metaverse in recent months, the German Deka follows suit. Just in time for the low point of the hype. With a click of the mouse you land directly in front of the virtual branch whose website promises: "The future is here." It is located in Decentraland, a ghost town in the digital Web3 paradise. The number of active players according to DappRadar: 650.

There’s still little to see in the Dekaverse

The building looks slick. A glass snail shell. You’re welcomed into this "exciting new world" with a text box where you can learn more "about Deka, our partners and the Web3 revolution".

At the reception we get our first surprise: there really is someone! A real person. Here, in Decentraland. A young avatar, Marie3bb6. She is a Millennial, she explains when asked, and came to the Dekaverse via an invite link. Her impression? Good. She likes the design.

Three floors, not much to see: Everything is still under construction. DekaBank customers are expected to help shape what’s happening here. We can’t say exactly what that means, because questions so far have remained unanswered. At least: on the second floor there are "interesting exhibitions," namely NFTs for a good cause.

But all this is still a "work in progress". As is usually the case when you’re exploring the Metaverse. On the terrace, a virtual staffer tells us to enjoy the view. We stand at the edge and look out. But unfortunately there’s nothing to see, because the assets aren’t loading.