Shinhan Bank Opens Unmanned Branch 'Digital Lounge' Utilizing Digital and AI Technologies

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Shinhan Bank announced on the 28th that it has opened 'Digital Lounge,' an unmanned branch utilizing digital and AI technologies such as digital desks and virtual bankers (AI Banker), at the former Pyeongchonnam Branch and the former Dasa Branch.

The Digital Lounge is an unmanned branch composed of various digital devices, including a digital desk that allows real-time video calls for financial consultations with staff and smart kiosks where customers can independently perform tasks such as opening accounts and issuing cards. Staff are also assigned to guide customers in using the digital devices, enabling easy and comfortable financial transactions without branch employees.

In particular, Shinhan Bank is the first in the financial sector to introduce a virtual banker for customer service at the Digital Lounge. The virtual banker, modeled after an actual branch employee, is a virtual staff member applying video synthesis and voice recognition technology, greeting customers through digital devices and guiding them through their desired tasks.

Additionally, the virtual banker assists customers in easily registering biometric information such as facial and palm (palm vein) data on digital devices, enabling convenient transactions like withdrawals and transfers.

The virtual banker will be pilot-applied at the Digital Lounge of the former Pyeongchonnam Branch and is planned to be expanded to all branches equipped with digital devices by October. As accumulated AI learning data expands the scope of customer service, it will provide easier and more comfortable digital financial services to customers with diverse needs.

A Shinhan Bank official stated, "The newly introduced Digital Lounge offers a digital customer experience based on human touch, such as digital desks and virtual bankers, making it easier and more comfortable to approach customers. We will continue to strive to provide new digital financial services to customers through various types of branches."