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Technology and the Branch of the Future

credit union data center remodeled by Level 5

Leveraging Critical Credit Union Data Components for Smart Geographic Expansion

In the ever-evolving landscape of data collection in the credit union and financial service industries, the race to capture new markets and enhance member experience has intensified. Basically, you have to keep up.

Furthermore, with the growing influence of technology, interwoven with strategy consulting, site selection, branch design, and building, this bevy of tools has become vital for financial institutions to stay competitive and thrive and meet members’ needs properly.

In this post, we will explore six crucial data components that inform the branch pro forma; as well as and aid in the geographic expansion plans of credit unions, enabling them to build the branch fit for the growth of the future.

1. Loans and Deposits Forecasting: Unearthing the Elbow Room

Understanding Market Viability

When considering expansion geographies and specific trade areas, it is essential to assess the availability of loans and deposits in that market before making a final decision on branch real estate site selection.

This crucial data component helps credit unions determine the “elbow room” or growth potential in a given area, identifying if there are still untapped opportunities or if the market is already saturated and unsuitable for expansion.

merging credit union data and technology

2. Competitive Analysis: Identifying Opportunities Amidst Competition

Beyond the Elbow Room

When entering a new retail banking market requires a thorough competitive analysis.

Accordingly, financial institutions must gauge the opportunities for a new entrant and assess how well they can compete against existing players. This involves understanding whether competitors dominate or outspend potential newcomers, ultimately determining if the market is viable for a new branch.

3. Consumer Overlays: Tapping into Existing Consumer Bases

Building on Existing Clientele

Another critical factor in successful geographic expansion is identifying how many existing consumers reside in the expansion geography.

A pre-built consumer base can significantly impact the success of a new branch, providing a strong foundation for growth and member engagement.

4. Demographic Tapestry Profiles: Recognizing Shifting Consumer Demographics

Mapping Consumer Demographics

Even if credit unions know their target consumers, they must ensure that these consumers reside in the expansion area.

Demographic tapestry profiles allow you to understand the overlays of the existing consumer base in potential expansion geographies. Consequently, this helps to avoid potential mismatches between target demographics and location.

Glasses and pen laying on top of paper data charts

5. Market Potential Indices: Measuring Consumer Behavior

Predicting Consumer Behaviors

Market Potential Indices (MPI) provide valuable insights into the likelihood of adults in a specific geographic area exhibiting purchase behaviors aligned with the banking products and services offered by the credit union.

This data component aids in assessing the market’s demand for the institution’s offerings or those they plan to introduce.

Business people in a group sitting around a conference table looking at charts, data and computers

6. 4 Square Quadrant: Mapping Branch Performance and Market Potential

Visualizing Success

The 4 Square Quadrant, a critical component of the LEVEL5 Branch Market Analysis engine, provides a comprehensive reading of proposed branches in a given trade area.

By scatter-plotting the branches based on performance and market potential, financial institutions can effectively gauge which locations are likely to thrive and which ones may under-perform.

Paving the Way for the Credit Union Branch of Tomorrow

In the dynamic world of financial institutions, leveraging technology to analyze critical data components is paramount for making informed decisions regarding geographic expansion and long-term growth. 

Credit Union strategy consulting, site selection, and branch design and building can be significantly enhanced with the insights drawn from loans and deposits forecasting, competitive analysis, consumer overlays, demographic tapestry profiles, market potential indices, and the 4 Square Quadrant. Armed with these data-driven tools, financial institutions can confidently build the branch of the future, positioning themselves for success in a competitive landscape.

For expert guidance and assistance in harnessing the power of these data components for your institution’s growth and expansion plans, do not hesitate to contact LEVEL5, the industry leader in strategy consulting, site selection, design, and construction for credit unions and banks.

Let us help you create the branch of tomorrow that sets new standards and meets your members needs.

Designing Your Branch Prototype: Creating a Future-Proof Banking Space

Wasatch Peak Credit Union interior

A space says more than a thousand words, and your credit union branch prototype says a lot. In the ever-evolving landscape of credit union retail banking, your branch serves as the physical embodiment of your institution’s identity. A well-designed branch not only attracts new members but also nurtures existing relationships. It’s a space where face-to-face interactions occur, complex transactions are handled, and solutions are provided.

In this digital age, the branch remains a critical avenue for delivering the human touch that digital channels simply cannot replicate. As you consider reinventing your brand and enhancing your member experience, one vital strategy is the creation of a new branch prototype.

The Role of a Credit Union Branch Prototype in Modern Banking

Your branch isn’t just a building; it’s a strategic asset that showcases your brand, culture, and commitment to member service. A well-executed prototype branch serves as the foundation for your entire network, ensuring consistency and efficiency across all locations.

At LEVEL5, as leaders in credit union branch design for over 20 years, we emphasize the significance of a new branch prototype. The majority of our projects center around this concept.

Identifying the Need for a Branch Prototype in a credit union

The decision to develop a retail branch prototype arises when you seek a comprehensive and uniform approach to optimizing your branch network. This extends beyond new market entries, encompassing your existing branches in need of rejuvenation.

Often, established credit unions and community banks find themselves with multiple locations that lack engagement and alignment with their brand. A prototype offers a solution, breathing new life into tired spaces and setting the stage for future growth.

The Development Process

Creating a successful branch prototype involves a meticulous development process that caters to your institution’s unique needs, goals, and brand identity. The journey begins with an in-depth Programming and Visioning phase, where you collaborate closely with key stakeholders. During this phase, you uncover critical insights into your institution’s requirements, retail strategies, influences, and brand elements.

Once this foundational knowledge is gathered, the next step is synthesis. Our skilled designers work to weave these elements into a cohesive and functional design. The resulting prototype branch includes:

  • Structural outlines and preferred technology
  • Thoughtfully curated design choices
  • Integration of banking equipment and brand deployments
  • Incorporation of iconic elements
  • Attention to details like furniture style, tile selection, and carpet color

This comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of your prototype branch aligns seamlessly with your institution’s vision.

Edwards Federal Credit Union exterior front

Flexibility And Adaptability

One of the remarkable benefits of a well-designed branch prototype is its adaptability. The prototype serves as a template that can be tailored to various needs, which saves time and costs on re-designing from scratch. This adaptability extends beyond replicating the prototype in new locations. You can seamlessly translate the standard-sized floor plan into:

  • Micro branches
  • Standalone kiosks in smaller towns
  • Adaptation for regional offices and operational centers

This flexibility ensures that your branch design components and member experiences remain aligned with your strategic goals no matter where you are meeting your members at. 

Embrace the Future with Your Branch Prototype

In an ever-changing banking landscape, where technology and member expectations evolve rapidly, having a modern branch prototype ready for deployment is a forward-thinking strategy. It’s a blueprint that accommodates growth, adapts to changing market dynamics, and ensures your branch network remains a relevant and vibrant growth asset.

Neighborhood Credit Union Branch exterior at night

Embark on Your Branch Transformation Journey

The role of the branch cannot be underestimated as you contemplate your credit union or bank’s future. It’s not just a physical space; it’s a strategic touch point that connects your institution with its members. Embracing a branch prototype approach, backed by a team experienced in design and implementation, can reshape your institution’s identity, enhance member experiences, and set the stage for sustained success in the dynamic world of banking.


Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to discuss how a new branch prototype could transform your institution. With decades of experience in implementing effective and visually stunning branch design templates, we’re ready to guide you on this exciting journey toward branch innovation and excellence.

How to Choose the Perfect Location for Your Credit Union or Bank Branch

Sun Community Federal Credit Union exterior

a data-driven branch strategy approach

Selecting the ideal site for your credit union’s or bank’s next branch is a critical decision that can significantly impact your institution’s long-term success. Gone are the days of relying on intuition alone; today, financial institutions need to use data-driven strategies to make informed choices. 

At LEVEL5, we understand the importance of coupling data with our Branch Site Selection services to provide well-informed, actionable recommendations. In this article, we’ll explore why it’s crucial to let the data dictate the right location in your trade area and how partnering with a developer-minded firm like LEVEL5 can lead to the best results.

Bird's eye view of of a town with roads and trees

Data-Informed Branch Site Selection: More Than Drawing a Circle on a Map

Simply drawing a circle around a location on a map based on gut feelings won’t guarantee the best site for your next credit union or bank branch. Accurately assessing growth markets requires a comprehensive analysis of multiple data points that leads to a quantifiable recommendation. 

However, while having data pointing to a specific site is essential, it doesn’t guarantee the availability of suitable locations in that area. That’s why LEVEL5 synthesizes our data strategy with our vast real estate acquisition experience and capabilities.

Aligning Strategy with Actionable Branch Site Recommendations

Data without a clear strategy is meaningless. Paying for data analysis is only valuable if it leads to actionable insights. We combine our Site Selection services with the data obtained during our Branch Market Analysis Strategy sessions so that we only recommend prime sites which can be acquired. 

This integration ensures that the locations we recommend not only meet the data criteria but also align with your defined business strategy. By fusing data and strategy, we present you with workable options that truly support your long-term growth goals.

People in suits seated around a table discussing business

The Benefits of a Developer-Minded Branch Network Partner

Choosing a site is about understanding how the chosen location fits into your long-term plan. That’s why we think of ourselves as developers with your overarching plans as the goal, not mere brokers. Our approach involves a thorough assessment of the geographies and available options within a given trade area. 

Moreover, we overlay the Credit Union or Bank Branch Design types that best suit the specific location, directly aligning with your 10-Year Branch Pro forma developed during the Strategy phase. This approach ensures that the site chosen will indeed support your long-term objectives.

Construction worker and project manager on an unfinished job site wearing hard hats, looking at blueprints. Surveyor in the background.
Edwards Federal Credit Union branch exterior, three-quarters view

Location, Location, Data-Driven Action: Partner with LEVEL5 for the Perfect Credit Union or Bank Branch Site

Selecting the right site for your branch or headquarters is a critical process that requires more than just intuition or simple mapping. A data-driven approach, coupled with a clear strategy, is essential to making informed and actionable decisions to grow your branch network. 

At LEVEL5, we bring you the expertise of a developer, not a broker, as we assess geographies, identify suitable options, and align them with your long-term goals.

Let the data guide you to an optimal site and work with a partner who understands your unique needs. Contact LEVEL5 today to ensure that your financial institution makes the best location choices for sustainable growth and success.

Branch Optimization: Choosing the Right Path for Long-Term Success

increase Growth and Profitability with curated branch network strategy

branch exterior depicting branch network strategy by Level 5

What is important in branch network strategy?

When it comes to strategically managing branch networks, financial institutions face crucial decisions about whether to keep, remodel, relocate, or close branches. These decisions can significantly impact growth and profitability over many years. While data plays a vital role in informing these choices, there are several factors to consider beyond mere numbers to ensure your resources and efforts are allocated correctly for healthy growth. 

In this article, we delve into the strategies for making the right decisions and highlight the importance of strong leadership in shaping a successful credit union or bank branch network.

The Four options

Keep: Identifying High-Performing Branches 

Identifying branches worth keeping involves a comprehensive assessment that goes beyond immediate performance. It requires evaluating various factors such as financial benchmarks, forecasts, and environmental considerations.

By examining both internal and external data, financial institutions can determine branches that not only perform well in the present but also show promising long-term potential.

Branch Remodel: Breathing New Life into Branches 

Sometimes, a branch in the right market may experience a decline in performance. Instead of closing it outright, a remodel can be a viable option.

how the remodel helps

Through incorporating new technologies, design elements, and layouts, financial institutions can rejuvenate the member experience and attract and engage more customers with a fresh and modern ambiance. An updated branch remodel design enables them to tap into the untapped potential of existing locations.

interior depicting level 5 branch network strategy

Relocate: Unlocking Potential through Strategic Moves 

Under-performing branches in suitable markets might benefit from relocation. The decision to move can arise from factors such as branch type, traffic patterns, or location restrictions.

data for relocation

Analyzing external data, including market trends and demographic information, helps financial institutions identify areas with greater growth potential.

By strategically relocating branches, they can leverage favorable conditions and improve overall branch performance.

Close: Making Tough, but Necessary Decisions

Closure is a challenging decision for any financial institution. However, there are instances where it becomes necessary to maintain the network’s performance. Branches that not only underperform but also adversely impact the entire network may require closure. Strong leaders must rely on internal and external data to make the tough call of closing branches that are no longer viable.

Work with Credit Union & Bank Growth Consulting Experts

Effective branch management involves making strategic decisions about keeping, remodeling, relocating, or closing branches. 

In the dynamic landscape of branch network management, making informed decisions is vital to maximizing your credit union’s or bank’s growth and profitability. Financial institutions need a partner that can provide expert guidance and data-driven insights to navigate the complexities of keeping, remodeling, relocating, or closing branches. 

That’s where LEVEL5 comes in. As a leading growth consultancy and best-in-class branch design and construction firm, we’ve specialized in branch transformation for over 20 years, offering actionable, comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of financial institutions.

Contact us today for help making your branch network optimization a success! 

A Modern Playbook: Leveraging Big Data for Decision Making in Financial Institution Growth and Branch Design and Construction

growth strategy using external data
While most financial institutions have access to internal data sets, the real power lies in a growth strategy that utilizes external data—which LEVEL5 does, with a remarkable track record of 96% accuracy in our strategic recommendations.

With LEVEL5’s 20 years of experience, we have developed a modern growth playbook that relies on big data rather than old-school intuition, providing quantifiable insights that have consistently achieved business success.

In this article, we will explore the significance of data in expanding financial institutions long-term, the limitations of intuition, and how LEVEL5’s data-driven approach can help your institution make strategic decisions with unparalleled precision.

The Power of Data 

Data vs. Information

Data is the foundation, but it is the interpretation of that data that turns it into actionable information. Think of an alarm clock displaying the time—it’s data. The actionable information is that it’s time to wake up. Similarly, financial institutions need actionable information—what to do and when to do it—derived from data in order to make informed decisions.

Using Data for Strategic Branch Network Decisions

LEVEL5’s Strategic Consulting Group has a finely honed analytical process, utilizing both private and public data points. We have developed custom algorithms that provide fool-proof, data-driven facts to guide strategic decision-making. This approach ensures that expansion market decisions are not based solely on intuition, but rooted in concrete data.

Market Analysis for Credit Union & Bank Growth

When assessing new expansion markets, relying on intuition is no longer sufficient. 

For example, when considering a new branch location, perhaps a specific idyllic area in the community first comes to your mind. 

You might “feel” this is a prime spot for growth, but how far does this “feeling” really get you?

Sure, it may be a well-trafficked area, perhaps near a hub of retailers, but what if there are even more optimal locations in your town unbeknownst to you, spaces with even more traffic, even more of your member demographics, and with even more potential for future growth?

It pays to know!

That’s why each market decision must be backed up with careful, in-depth analysis that helps you minimize unknowns and maximize potential. 

LEVEL5 has been assisting clients with market analysis for two decades. Our comprehensive approach examines state, county, metro, and trade areas to determine growth trajectories that make sense both in the present and for the next 5-10 years. The resulting reports provide clients with a 10-year branch pro forma, offering accurate visibility into how a branch will perform on a specific street corner.

By analyzing data at various levels, including state, county, metro, and trade areas, we provide actionable insights that enable informed decision-making.

De-risking Growth Decisions with Unbiased Data

The Role of Data in De-risking Decisions

Data provides clarity and reduces uncertainty when making growth decisions. It allows financial institutions to understand their “elbow room” in a given market and forecast performance accurately. 

By running multiple pro formas that consider branch types, personnel, and technology fit, LEVEL5 ensures decisions are based on reliable data rather than subjective intuition.

Data Points the Way

The Power of Data-Driven Decision Making: Insight Beats Intuition

Data-driven decision making is not new. Industries such as e-commerce and sports have long embraced the power of data to enhance their strategies. Financial institutions can also harness this power to inform their branch playbook and make well-informed decisions.

By basing your decision-making on quantifiable insights rather than intuition, you set your financial institution—whether a community-owned bank or credit union—on a path toward sustainable, long-term growth.

LEVEL5’s Holistic Approach

LEVEL5’s approach to strategy and market analysis goes beyond traditional consulting engagements. We combine market analysis with site selection, ensuring that the quantifiable insights provided are actionable. Our comprehensive process involves two main components: critical inputs and outputs.

Critical Inputs:

The critical inputs for LEVEL5’s market analysis are derived from a range of data sources. These include proprietary data points exclusive to LEVEL5, as well as data points specific to the financial institution itself. 

Staffing interviews provide qualitative and quantitative insights, while market segmentation analysis and trade area analysis contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the market.

Outputs:

The outputs of LEVEL5’s market analysis process provide clients with actionable information. 

A 10-year pro forma offers visibility into a branch’s performance, including key factors such as loans, deposits, and return on investment. 

Branch type models allow for flexibility in considering different branch types, while the staffing model helps evaluate the impact of personnel on performance. 

Additionally, technology-needs assessment ensures that capital costs related to technology are considered in growth decisions.

Grow Your Financial Institution with Confidence Through a Data-Driven Strategy

In the dynamic world of financial institutions, and especially in a tough business environment like the one we’re facing today, relying solely on old-school intuition is no longer enough to stay competitive. By embracing big data and adopting a data-driven approach, financial institutions can make informed decisions and build with confidence.

LEVEL5’s expertise in utilizing data and providing actionable insights has made us a trusted partner for financial institutions looking to design and build successful branches. 

By leveraging the power of data, LEVEL5 helps financial institutions navigate the evolving landscape with assurance, backed by accurate insights and strategic decision-making.

Contact LEVEL5 today to learn more about our proprietary data-driven approach and unlock the growth potential of your financial institution.

3 Reasons to LAUNCH: Discover

We Have Liftoff

LEVEL5 is excited to help your FI with your growth initiatives in 2023 and beyond with our LAUNCH Program.

We’ve built this phased approach to assessing and launching your growth strategy around the methodical steps aimed at uncovering the challenges getting in the way of your Credit Union or Bank achieving its objectives and goals.

Phase I: Discover

LAUNCH program discover
Training materials

The first phase in. our LAUNCH Program is called “Discover” – when our relationship will begin with a casual conversation, no more than 30-minutes, where we simply have a chat.

In this discussion, we’ll go over our services and background – but this phase is frankly about you. We’ll want to know about your FI’s history, your place and positioning in the communities you serve, and most importantly, current state versus desired state.

Your “Current State” is where you are today – number of branches, trade areas, assets, branch type mix, and of course, your member/customer base.

Your “Desired State” is where you want to be – expansion plans, asset goals over the next 3-5 years, thoughts on branch types, hub & spoke models, as well as any M&A’s that may be in play.

From here we’ll start to discuss next steps. Most importantly, we’ll need to uncover what is getting in the way of you executing and achieving your goals. That bridge from here to there is typically full of roadblocks, but that’s where LEVEL5 comes in.

Why LAUNCH At All?

The LEVEL5 LAUNCH Program follows a methodical, yet casual approach to uncovering the critical needs of your Financial Institution. Through a series of easy discussions, our team will be able to capture your goals, but also understand what is getting in the way of you achieving them.

From there, we’ll be able to move into the other phases of the LAUNCH Program and make actionable recommendations on how to execute to these goals.

To learn more about our LAUNCH Program, and to schedule your first “Discover” call, contact us today to get going.

The Branch and Its Zones

In order to ensure that your branch runs as efficiently and effectively as possible while also meeting your members’ expectations, you must consider the Branch Zones and how your floorplan is built strategically to support those zones.

This will make or break the Member Experience in your branch.

The branch zones determine the function of each section of the branch, beginning from a warm entrance, to advising, transacting, and even providing places to rest and reenergize. Every single part of the branch should be built purposefully with strategy behind the design and elements in each area. Not only that, but they should also be built to optimize member and employee directional flow according to their placement next to each other.

A correctly-zoned credit union or bank branch prototype design is vital for a positive overall Member Journey as it fosters seamless and logical progression from one space to the next.

This strategy provides your members with a nearly effortless and intuitive visit into and throughout your branch, making it easier for them to achieve their financial purposes and goals with your team and more enjoyable for them to return again and again!

Use the graphic above to reference as you read more about each zone and its purpose.

ATTRACT ZONE

This first zone is the exterior of your branch. It not only includes the building façade, but the entire property as well, which will likely include road signage, drive-thru, directional signage, and landscaping. This zone should work for you 24/7, day and night.

Key Elements:

  • Road Signage
  • Building Signage
  • Nighttime Illumination
  • Iconic Design Elements
  • Entry/Exit Points
  • Directional Signage
  • Drive-Thru

INVITE ZONE

This zone is the first entry point of the branch, also referred to as the vestibule. This zone may include double entry doors, 24-hour ATM/ITM’s and be well-lighted for nighttime use.

Key Elements:

  • Card Entry
  • Lighting
  • 24-hour ATM/ITM
  • Branding
  • Marketing Signage
  • Branch Hours
  • Music

WELCOME ZONE

The Welcome Zone is the first zone of the main branch. It should have key lines of site to employees and other, easily accessible zone through the branch. This is also a key point for visitors to be welcomed and directed to their needs.

Key Elements:

  • Well-lighted
  • Cleanliness
  • Visibility/Good Lines of Sight
  • Digital Signage
  • Branded graphics
  • Iconic feature
  • Universal Banker/Greeter/Concierge

TRANSACT ZONE

Likely the anchor point of your branch, if not the traditional purpose of a customer or member’s visit. Can be the central design element, or off-set based on strategic intent.

Key Elements:

  • Teller Pods
  • Traditional Teller Lines
  • Drive-Through Screens/Tubes
  • Cash Recyclers
  • ATMs
  • ITMs
  • Assisted Self Service

DISCOVER/EXPLORE ZONE

This is a multi-purpose zone meant for self-discovery of products and services, while also acting as an informal location for onboarding and semi-private advisory sessions.

Key Elements:

  • Touchscreens (Large Format and/or Tablets)
  • Digital Signage
  • Tech Bar
  • Consulting/Engagement Fixtures
  • Marketing Collateral (Traditional or Digital)

ADVISE ZONE

A critical branch differentiator when compared to digital channels, the Advise Zone affords opportunity for in-person dialogue, counseling and advice and acts as an important component in account openings, cross-selling and thus share of wallet.

Key Elements:

  • Consulting/Engagement Fixtures
  • Offices
  • Computers/Touchscreens
  • Digital Signage
  • Traditional Signage

COMMUNITY/CONFERENCE ZONE

Whether combined for smaller footprint branches, or as separate zones/rooms for larger square-foot branches, this zone acts as an opportunity for employees to huddle and meet, whether they be branch staff, or those from corporate using the rooms for miscellaneous meetings. Additionally, the room can be offered to the community as a gathering place, which can be booked independently, with it also having an “off hours” entry point for non-employees.

Key Elements:

  • Digital Signage
  • Two-Way Video
  • Table and Chairs
  • Community/Branded Wall

VIDEO ZONE

A smaller room suited for a customer or member to communicate with a “remote expert” via 2-way video.

Key Elements:

  • 2-way video (camera & screen)
  • Remote Expert at secondary location
  • Room for several customers & Employee
  • Can act as secondary office

EMPLOYEE ZONE

Also considered “back of the house” for employees, this zone will likely the critical elements for an employee’s need before and after work, as well as during lunch breaks.

Key Elements:

  • Tables
  • Lockers
  • Quiet Room
  • Refrigerator
  • Kitchenette
  • Tablets/Computers (personal use)

Contact LEVEL5 to enhance your Credit Union or banking member experience!

A seamless, interactive journey throughout the branch is imperative to take care of your members’ needs. They want to be comfortable with their financial institution, knowing that they can trust that their finances are in good hands, and the first step to building trust is creating a high quality, unparalleled in-person branch user experience.

Here at LEVEL5, we understand the importance of the Member Journey. It is an undeniably important concept to consider when we design and build credit union and bank branches for our clients. We have the years of experience needed to execute this strategy, enhancing your branch in your network with a modern, effective floorplan zone that speaks to your members’ needs.

Contact us today and find out how we can help you!

Designing Your Branch Prototype

Your branch is the physical manifestation of your institution, oftentimes a critical beacon for attracting new members in the market and in growing the client relationships you already have. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you get branching right. 

With your branch space, you’re providing a place where people can interact with an actual person to provide solutions. It’s the arena for primarily opening accounts, having questions answered or taking care of larger or more complex transactions. Digital channels simply cannot provide the desired human element, or solve the complex issues your clients face every day.

When looking to reinvent your brand, sometimes the branch, and a new prototype at that, is what is needed to begin anew. 

Why? Because a new prototype branch universally establishes and dictates your brand and culture. It should provide the functionality and services needed to fit the changing requirements of your modern clientele.  

In fact, almost all of LEVEL5‘s projects involve a new branch prototype. Wise financial institution leaders truly see the value of it. 

In this article, we’ll cover the purpose and successful implementation of a prototype and what it means for you in 2022 and beyond.

When Do You Need A Branch PrototypeHow Is It Developed?

You need a branch prototype when you want an effective, uniformed, comprehensive way to optimize your entire branch network. Notice we said your entire branch network, not just the future locations that are built to turn heads in newer markets.  

Once your critical branch elements have been identified and put into the design, they can be translated into all of your existing branch spaces too. 

This is monumentally important to point out since many credit union and community banks often look up one day and find themselves with multiple locations having a stale, unengaging ambience to them. A prototype helps with needed rejuvenation as well as future builds.   

So how is it developed? 

While putting your prototype together, we work closely with you and key stakeholders through an in-depth Programming and Visioning phase to identify and deeply understand your: 

  • Needs 
  • Goals
  • Retail Strategies 
  • Influences 
  • Brand Elements 

We then synthesize all of this into a design with our experienced Design team.

Once finished, your prototype branch will include the basic structural outlines, preferred technology, design choices, banking equipment, brand deployments and iconic elements, narrowing down to aspects like your furniture style, tile selections, and carpet color.  

Tweak Your PROTOTYPE to Fit Varying Needs

Having an excellent branch template makes it more convenient to proliferate uniformed locations in myriad ways, allowing you to minimize time and cost spent re-designing as the prototype can simply be adjusted to fit.  

Your standard-sized floorplan can be seamlessly translated into micro branches, stand-alone kiosks in smaller towns or even for your regional offices or Ops Center, keeping your design components and member experiences in lock-step with your strategy. 

Contact our team now to discuss your new branch prototype. For nearly 20 years, we’ve utilized best design build practices to help a multitude of clients create and implement effective, beautiful branch templates.  

The yin and yang of branching

Much has been written about the branch of the future. What does it look like? What are the key strategies? How does the member/customer experience play out? Is it even already here?

The short answer is there is no short answer – only different perspectives. The right answer, if there is a singular one to consider, is this: the branch of the future construct is entirely on you and your organization to make it as you see fit.

One perspective on the future of branching is the discussion point involving the traditional legacy of a branch and its core being the transaction, while also understanding the momentum to the modern branch being advisory.

The problem with contemplating a branch strategy from either a transactional perspective or an advisory perspective is in the “or.” Your branch strategy should not be rooted in “or” – it should be rooted in “and.”

Think about it from the perspective of Yin and Yang. Colloquially, Yin and Yang are used commonly to describe to diametrically opposed concepts, like oil and water. But in reality, the concept of Yin and Yang is actually describing two things that compliment each other – not opposing one another.

So when you are contemplating your Branch of the Future and trying to figuring out the anchor strategy of a branch that is either transactional or advisory, the answer is both.

A well designed branch will have both a transactional and advisory zone. The layouts may differ, as long as the strategy is rooted in the member experience. And the way it is executed may also vary, with different forms of cash machines deployed across different areas (both inside and outside) of the branch to appease those short visit based transactions, whether it be ITM’s in the drive-through, Cash Recyclers affixed to floating Teller Pods, Assisted Self-Service machines flanking the Teller Stations, right up to a traditional ATM for walk-up traffic.

On the advisory side of the house, designs can see casual Onboarding Stations with tablets at the ready for initial conversations, semi-private conversations at high top counters with screens for a deeper financial planning session, or a fully private conversation in an enclosed office with a resident Personal Banker, or even in a video enabled room where members/customers can speak to a remote expert.

When you’re contemplating your next branch strategy and the discussion of transactions versus advisory arises, remember the Yin and Yang – they are not individual strategies unto themselves, they are complimentary strategies that are part of a larger, engagement-based branching experience.

If you’d like to learn more about branch strategy and review floor plans demonstrating a well-executed transaction and advisory zone, contact LEVEL5 today.

Why FI Leaders Should Think Like a Developer

Just like the leader of a credit union or community bank, land developers always have growth in their sights and there are many strategies that a financial institution could benefit from to expand in an intelligent and financially advantageous way. Here’s how.

Let’s look at the big picture first; you know that your growth depends on increased loan and deposits, and a major factor of those numbers is your ability for new members to open new accounts. Branches are major avenues for creating and retaining new clients.  

Having well-placed brick and mortar branches is a necessity by geo-locating the right branch near those targeted new members/customers, so you might as well do it in a way that benefits you the most, from varying angles, just like a savvy developer. 

3 Ways to Optimize You real estate efforts

1. Develop Multi-Tenant Plaza, Occupy and Fill

If you build it, they will come.  

When you’re searching for a new prime piece of land, task one is to ensure it’s right for your organization’s needs. Beyond that, you can drive even more foot traffic into your place by making convenient shopping experiences surrounding it. Convenience is valued and appreciated ever more in our modern-day culture. Here’s how you can leverage that.  

Small retail outlets, coffee shops, restaurants, an urgent care, nail or hair salon, you name it. You’re creating a place of value for the local community and your branch is included in this hotspot.   

Prospect clientele may be drawn in by your new development, peruse shops, and realize that their banking needs can be met there as well. Another thing they can check off their “shopping” list. 

This can enhance relationships with existing clients in this market as well. They may have more incentive to drop into your branch on their shopping or errand trips, opening up the floor for more discussion, deepening relationships. Perhaps after their coffee next door, they’ll remember about that new account they’ve been meaning to open. 

If the idea of a plaza seems overwhelming, sublet just one part of your building to a boutique business like one of our clients did with a soda shop in Utah!  

2. Extra Land Extra Value

Secure a parcel of land that’s larger than your immediate needs require. This doesn’t necessarily mean go all out and grab 20 acres more than you need, but this can be done with a purposeful and lean strategy. Remember, the developer is always thinking ahead, just as you are. 

One LEVEL5 client benefitted greatly with this strategy by purchasing a 2 acre plot, then built their new, best-in-class branch on 1 of them. The property value of the empty acre then rose due to the modern branch’s proximity. 

The grand finale? This client ended up selling the empty acre for more than what they had bought both acres for.  

Now that’s a return on investment for the record books.   

When considering site selection, always work with a team who has ample experience and resources in locating the right credit union or bank branch real estate for your needs.  

3. Repurpose Your Existing Space & Scale Up Simultaneously

Developers understand the need for new space, but they also know the value of strategically making the most out of an existing space, too.  

Use your goals as guideposts, then take due action.  

Consider the example story of our client Hoosier Heartland State Bank’s branch transformation and operations center needs in Indiana. They desired to breathe new life into their main branch to better meet the needs of their modern, expanding customer base while also developing a new operations center to support an increase in employees.  

This all needed to be done in a way that differentiated the bank as a leader in their community.  

They partnered with LEVEL5, who knows bank construction inside and out, and thinks like a developer. 

Their branch got an update with a new floor plan, diverging away from traditional teller lines, into a more open retail environment, giving staff a more effective way to interact with members and forge deeper relationships.  

Their operations center now fits their long-term staffing needs, and the new exteriors reflected their forward-thinking culture.  

Hoosier Bank’s President, Brad Monts added, “We chose LEVEL5 as our partner because of the value they bring to the complete design-build process. Few firms in the country can study markets, address headcount, procure real estate, design and construct facilities like their team.” 

Furthermore, their HQ is part of a larger renovated complex, where they have sub-leased space to small business owners that not only benefit their employees, but also help revitalize their home town.

Contact us today for assistance locating the right land or updating an existing branch for your needs. We have experience helping partners get the most value and return from their property.  

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