Branding

Synovus converted all 26 of its separately branded community banks to its own name over the past two years — a major undertaking that allowed Jennifer Upshaw, senior director of marketing, to shine.

A promotion from U.S. Community Credit Union has helped boost business and increase social media engagement, but some analysts fear this credit union and others may be relying too heavily on post-recession messaging.

The institution had considered a merger of equals that was never finalized before deciding to change its name to Elevate Credit Union.

In the months ahead, the Birmingham, Ala., bank will drop Compass from its name across all of its branches and digital properties. It’s part of a broader plan by its Spanish parent Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria to unify its brand worldwide.

The credit union is also developing a new shared branching space as part of a unique co-location strategy.

Montgomery County Employees Federal Credit Union is now operating as SkyPoint Federal Credit Union.

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PR campaigns won’t be enough to salvage the bank’s reputation after a series of scandals. Instead, it should look into adopting a new name, among other crucial steps.

A plan to join Deer Valley and Canyon State credit unions still needs approval from regulators and members of both institutions.

The San Jose, Calif.-based credit union decided to make the change because there were too many other financial institutions with a similar name.