Branch network

Despite limiting on-site visits and adding more self-service channels, the industry is forging ahead with plans for hundreds of new or expanded brick-and-mortar locations.

The company, which reported a large third-quarter loss in October, plans to sell or shutter a quarter of its locations.

The company adds to a growing list of banks shutting branches to invest in technology offerings.

The accelerating pace of branch closures is partly due to industry consolidation, according to the community reinvestment group that authored the new report.

The Pittsburgh company also sold a portfolio of indirect auto loans and repaid a large amount of Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings.

The Waterbury, Conn., parent company of Webster Bank joins a fast-expanding list of banks reducing the size of their branch networks to save money and focus on digital capabilities.

The company is looking to shutter 10 of its 63 branches over coming months, reflecting a shift in customer preferences.

First Horizon, TCF and Webster are among the banks eyeing efficiency initiatives that could include more branch closings, layoffs and reduction of office space. Expect others to follow suit as low rates and tepid loan demand tied to the pandemic pressure revenue.

As COVID-19 infections break records nationwide, some banks are once again closing lobbies. But many others are maintaining the status quo after instituting a host of safety protocols that didn’t exist in the spring.

Just a few months after signaling that provisions for loan losses had peaked, many banks are planning to once again add to reserves to guard against pandemic-related defaults, according to a survey released by IntraFi Network.