The news: Despite digital banking’s rise, physical locations remain vital—over 40% of consumers value in-person interactions for complex financial matters, per The Financial Brand. And some banks are taking their branches to the next level.

• Bank of America plans to establish 165 new locations by 2026. Rather than traditional teller lines, these branches will feature collaborative meeting spaces where customers can interact directly with financial specialists, encouraging deeper conversations and personalized financial advice.
• Citizens Bank is redefining its physical locations by “rightsizing” branches into “smaller, more welcoming” environments that prioritize personalized financial conversations, per The Financial Brand.