Bank makes investment in future of industry, utilizing a tech-heavy new branch

Banking industry giant Regions is trying to give the dying bank branch some life. One example comes from its new east Manatee County branch, in fast-growing Lakewood Ranch, off Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. 

Since the branch opened in July, Dorothy Blasingim, Regions consumer banking manager, says there has been a lot of excitement from almost everyone who has walked inside. “It doesn’t look like a traditional bank,” Blasingim tells Coffee Talk, comparing it to walking into an Apple store. “We look for opportunities to meet community needs and sometimes that means moving to a newer community.”

That includes, she adds, sometimes consolidating branches. Like many other banks aim to do with branches, Regions' new branch offers a more modern approach to banking. “When a customer walks in, they will see one banker,” says Blasingim. 

The approach is designed to eliminate the teller line wait and make the customer experience feel more personal as each banker will be able to take care of an entire transaction from opening an account to discussing financial goals. 

Another new feature is the addition of two video banking ATMs. The system gives customers a choice: standard ATM service or connecting with a video banker. The connection is through a live, two-way video. The best part is that this option is available after normal hours, on the weekends and even holidays. One of the new ATMs is a drive-through while the other is a walk-up machine. 

Birmingham, Alabama-based Regions had $154.73 billion in assets through June 30. 

“A big part of our commitment to delivering the best experience in banking is our willingness to innovate and embrace new solutions,” says Sandra Young, consumer banking executive, in a release. “This inviting new branch offers the best of both worlds to customers.”