Branch banking

Grace Law, a Hong Kong native, seized an opportunity to work in a Chase branch in New York City more than 30 years ago. Today, she seeks ways to ensure her community — immigrants who are frequently overlooked by banks — has access to financial services.

The nation's largest bank, which acquired the remains of San Francisco-based First Republic following its failure this spring, has completed its plans to close 21 offices this year. But the consolidation effort is likely to continue.

Following New York Community Bancorp's acquisition of Flagstar, the company is ditching the regional bank brands that it long used. CEO Thomas Cangemi calls Flagstar a "neutral" but "patriotic" name that underscores the firm's nationwide expansion strategy.

Consistent wins aren't typically about continuously introducing novel strategies, but about better and more consistent execution with proven ones.

Empeople Credit Union will stop dealing with coins at its five Maine branches beginning this September. It's unclear whether there will be copycats, but there are reasons it might be tempting for others to follow suit.

The Pittsburgh-based regional is leaning heavily on ATMs as part of a de novo expansion strategy in the lucrative Washington metropolitan region.

The era of banks being customers' sole source of financial services is long gone, and regional banks need to accelerate their adjustment to that fact.

Michigan State University Federal Credit Union will open five branches in the Windy City to serve the more than 10,000 members and potential members living there. This marks the first time that the institution has expanded beyond its home state.

FNB Corp. and Bank of America are experimenting with ways to meld the benefits of account-opening in a branch with the efficiency of online.

Leigh Brady recently took over as chief executive of SECU, the second-largest credit union in the U.S. Don't look for any mergers under her leadership, Brady said, but she will focus on branch expansion and improving SECU's use of technology.

Deposits of Listerhill and Avadian credit union customers were compromised by fraud conspirators, one instance in a rise of card skimming cases across the country.

Michigan State University Federal Credit Union and its peers are streamlining branch design and staffing to improve customer service while managing the rising costs of real estate and construction.

Byline Bancorp completed its acquisition of Inland Bancorp on time, avoiding the kind of regulatory delays that have dampened bank M&A activity for the past 18 months.

The San Antonio bank says it will open 17 new financial centers in the Austin region by 2026. It's the latest step in a physical expansion strategy that has led to dozens of new branches in Houston and Dallas.

The payments and bank technology firm says its stand-alone NCR ATMCo will focus on "ATM-as-a-service."

Wise bank managers make sure that they are training employees for their next roles, and creating a deep bench of versatile talent.

Bank of America says it will extend its branch footprint to Omaha, Dayton and Huntsville. The moves are part of an ongoing strategy to enter new markets even as the bank reduces its total branch count.

Bank of America is also planning to expand into Madison, Wisconsin; Boise, Idaho; and Birmingham, Alabama, a company executive said. The goal is to find growth opportunities that don't require operating a large number of branches, the executive indicated.

The Dallas-based institution has hired Dan Sheehan, a veteran banker and the former CEO of Professional Bank, to head the effort that will include opening a branch in Palm Beach County later this year.

Local Government Federal Credit Union is postponing its separation from State Employees Credit Union, which has shared its technology and footprint for decades, to establish its own physical presence.