Branch banking

NCR Atleos and Diebold Nixdorf are signing deals that grant access to other industries and regions where there's demand for self-serve cash access — with additions such as artificial intelligence and better security.

Neglect of the employees who personally interact with customers can undermine even the most carefully crafted business strategy.

The two megabanks continue to shrink their branch networks, with BofA planning to close 20 locations and Wells recently shuttering 15. Both banks are also opening new branches in certain markets.

First Citizens extends its brand to CIT business lines, Discover launches TV campaign for debit account, Southern Michigan Bancorp announces leadership transition and more in the weekly banking news roundup.

Lisa Rickert and Ruth McCord, who manage branches for Nicolet National Bank, share a passion for connecting with their customers and supporting their communities.

When running a bank branch, there are certain employee behaviors that must be nonnegotiable. But that still leaves plenty of room for improvisation and creativity.

The two branches Julie Celozzi oversees for the Orlando, Florida, bank amassed $400 million of deposits in three years. Such production is often a steppingstone to bigger things, but Celozzi — who began as a part-time teller in high school — says she is "hooked" on branch banking.

Born in Venezuela, Lolita Peroza initially came to the U.S. to further her education and improve her English. Now 20 years into her banking career, she serves as a branch manager for Amerant Bank in Florida and is described by her boss as "always looking for additional opportunities to give back to the community."

The suit alleged that many off-duty cops picked up shifts at TD as security guards, only to go unpaid or wait months for their paychecks. The settlement did not include an admission of liability by the bank.

The Iowa-based bank says its two branches in Naples and Fort Myers were too small a presence to be competitive, so it decided to sell them to DFCU Financial.

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.