Branch banking

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.