Conduct Your Real Life Banking in These Second Life Banks

Second Life has attracted a lot of attention with its own virtual economy that is thriving. This living organism is giving rise to new business opportunities and is creating a unique niche for real life businesses that are trying to increase their client base. The banks below have set up a presence in Second Life and are anxious to build their business internationally.

1. WireCard Bank - This German bank offers specially trained avatars that operate in world. Its customers can access their payment services in Second Life, and are positioning themselves to create virtual services in another virtual world (https://www.wirecardbank.com/)

2. ING - This Dutch Bank set up a virtual Holland which will host several Dutch landmarks and handed out free plots of land to people who had innovative business startup, or innovative house building ideas. (http://www.ourvirtualholland.nl/index)

3. ABN Amro - This Dutch Bank offers financial advice to its clients. It is not offering banking services yet, but may do so in the future. (http://www.abnamro.com)

4. Saxo Bank - This Danish bank offers residents the ability to manage their real life portfolios and is looking to create a Virtual Trader to manage their clients' Lindens in Second Life. (http://www.saxobank.com/)

5. Wells Fargo - Wells Fargo, a U.S. based bank, launched a game in Second Life to teach people about financial responsibility. The game, Stagecoach Island, is available by invitation only, and offers its players $30 to play with and a 10% return on their money. (http://www.stagecoachisland.com)

6. BNP Paribas - This French based bank opened a recruitment center in Second Life that offers an \opportunity for information technologists, project managers, application architects, etc. to apply for a job. They also offer some interactive games (http://www.bnpparibas.com/en/home/)

7. First Meta - A Singapore startup bank that views Second Life as a wonderful investment opportunity. They are offering the first ever Second Life Credit Card as well as a full range of banking and financial services. They are currently working on building their island and will be up soon. (http://www.firstmetabank.com/).

With the potential for a new economy that has all the indications of spilling into our real-life, banks are seizing the opportunity to reach new clients, provide innovative educational opportunities, and build stronger client relationships through greater 'personal' interaction. The IRS has investigated Second Life to determine whether there is a need to tax the income being made -- such is the reality of the amount of real income that many people are making in real life. It will be interesting to see how the economy does in a few years, and see whether the banks that are gambling now are making a wise decision.