Articles about bank and credit union branch design, architecture, interior design, branch merchandising, ATMs, video tellers, interactive teller machines, branch technologies, and retail branch experience strategies in banking.
What if your financial institution's ATM transactions could generate consumer and business leads? Royal Banks of Missouri turned its ITMs into a segmented and responsive marketing channel.
Is It a Branch? Or a Store? It’s Deutsche Bank’s Q110
Deutsche Bank built a revolutionary branch prototype back in 2005, something it named Q110. Besides being a gorgeous architectural statement, the branch is one of the most progressive you’ll see anywhere in the world, combining most — if not all — of the latest ideas and newest innovations in financial retailing. Before you read any […]
A High-Energy Branch from Numerica Credit Union
The transaction area features an open, dual-teller station and contemporary merchandising fixtures. A special area with tire-tread flooring was created in the lobby where a brand-new motorcycle (partially seen in the right photo) promotes the credit union’s “toy loans.” The kids’ area. Product merchandising displays. A brand feature made from a perforated metal background panel. […]
This Danish Bank Branch Is Beyond Cool
In the Danish market, Jyske Bank has introduced a whole new way of delivering financial services, using the theme “Jyske Differences.” Jyske says its “blazing new trails in interior design” with its branches, something that’s hard to argue with after you watch this video: Jyske’s bank of the future is as imaginative as what Umpqua […]
Bank Branch Robbery Statistics for 2008
Here’s the FBI’s latest data on robberies of financial institutions for the first three months of 2008. Type of Institution Robberies % Commercial bank 1,399 87.2% Mutual savings bank 32 1.9% Savings and loan 41 2.6% Credit union 132 8.2% TOTAL 1,604 100% Mode of Robbery # Demand note used 947 Firearm used 405 Handgun […]
Delta Community Unveils New Branch Design
Delta Community Credit Union has just completed construction on its latest branch in Newnan in Georgia. The spacious and open floor plan features high, sweeping ceilings and few enclosed offices. Interior view of Delta Community Credit Union’s latest branch in Newnan, Georgia. Level 5’s conceptual rendering of the project. Pretty accurate depiction, don’t you think? […]
Chebanca! Italian for ‘Cool Bank Branch Design!’
This branch design for Italian bank Chebanca! is about as radical a departure as you can get from the hallowed walnut-and-mahogany themes of yesteryear. Ultra-clean, über-contemporary, high-tech and super-light merchandising. The bank has a special link off the homepage of their website. The bank says, “Che Filiali! La rete territoriale di CheBanca! si compone sia […]
How to Build Relationships with Bank Branch Avoiders
Be honest. If you didn’t work in the financial services industry, how often would you step foot in a branch? So how can financial institutions build relationships with those who prefer avoiding branches as much as possible? Here’s four ideas to get you started. Pick up the phone Many financial institutions use MCIF and other […]
The Bank Branch ‘Convenience’ Paradox
Filene just released an interesting study called “Who’s Joining Credit Unions.” Of particular interest is data that suggests a paradox between how people feel about branches and how they actually use them. While credit union members think they need a branch nearby, the data tells a different story. According to the report, the majority of […]
Credit Union Branch Concept Features Café and Dialogue Pods
With the christening of its latest branch, Augusta Metro Credit Union, introduced a new retail prototype boasting a more open and spacious floor plans and a wide range of the latest features. Four paired teller pods, something Augusta Metro calls “dialogue banking” pods, have replaced the traditional row of tellers. Instead, customers are met by […]
An Interactive Virtural Tour of BankWest’s Cool Branches
Interactive branches may be the way of the future. Check out BankWest's new virtual tour tool on its website.
Bank & Credit Union Robberies – 2006 vs. 2007
The Financial Brand couldn't wait for the FBI to tally up four quarters of its 2007 data on bank and credit union robberies.
Umpqua Bank’s Branch of the Future
The much-admired Umpqua Bank has created this fascinating video depicting one possible vision of the (very near?) future of financial services. Take a look: What’s particularly interesting about the video is the absence of narration. It gives the viewer credit, and lets us fill in any missing pieces with our imagination. The video engages you […]
Green Branch® Is a Federally Registered Trademark
“PNC has more certified green buildings than any company on Earth.” – PNC website Here’s something interesting you might not have heard. In 2008, the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office approved a federal trademark application from PNC Financial Services for the term ‘green branch.’ Reality Check: People are going to use the term “green branch” […]
Greeter is center stage in new branch’s open floor plan
The latest branch for Delta Community Credit Union, its tenth, features an open floor plan starring a greeter station in the middle of all the action. The branch’s operational model is similar to the one used in many Bank of America locations. The credit union will occupy 10,000 of the building’s 100,000 square feet and […]
New branch to be ‘relationship banking center’
Teller transactions at Erie General Electric FCU’s newest branch will be conducted “at ‘teller pods,’ where members and employees can communicate openly without the barrier of a counter,” according to the CU Times. Other branch features: Two stories 18,000 square feet Flat screen TVs Electronic sign-in pad Full children’s play area with video game systems […]
New FirstBank branch model features teller pods
FirstBank’s next branch won’t have a traditional teller line. Instead, the bank will have what is known in the financial industry as “teller pods.” Teller pods were introduced into the mainstream by WaMu (shown at right – click on image to enlarge). When customers enter the bank, they will be greeted by a bank employee […]
Omaha Bank’s New Branch Concept Includes ‘Virtual Koi Pond’
First National Bank of Omaha has unveiled a new retail prototype at its new Shadow Lake Towne Center branch. Features include a “virtual Koi pond” that directs customers to interactive kiosks where they can conduct transactions or get information on products and services. The interactive floor display seems to be based off of technology from […]
Credit union adds third branch with nice design
University of Illinois Employees Credit Union, a $157 million financial institution, has a new branch in Urbana. The 6,500 square foot facility cost $2 million to build and will employ 20. Branch features include: A giant photo of UI’s Foellinger Auditorium covering the wall behind tellers A band of orange surrounds the walls, punctuated with […]
Interactive Financial Ads You’ll Get a Kick Out Of (Literally)
If banks want people to come to branches who wouldn't otherwise, they should install this new tech. But be prepared for sticker shock.
Designing branch interiors like a living room
This Memphis Business Journal article (PDF here) says the design of bank branches has become “a branding bonanza.” The article says the key to designing a bank or credit union is “making employees feel safe and comfortable while at the same time conveying the brand.” The article details the work of one Memphis architect’s work […]
Students Help Credit Union Name School Branch
A high school sophomore won a $50 prize for coming up with the new name for the one credit union's student-run branch at a local high school.
