How De Novo Expansion is Reshaping Retail Banking

The future of branch banking isn’t about opening more locations – it’s about making smarter decisions about where, why, and how to invest.

Today’s banking leaders understand the importance of physical locations, with most new-to-bank relationships still originating at the branch even as digital adoption accelerates. Whether your institution is considering de novo expansion, strengthening existing markets, or optimizing your branch network, this data-driven report co-created by Adrenaline and Curinos offers insights into how to make more informed and impactful decisions.

Download this retail banking report to learn:

• Trends that make branch expansion a key growth strategy for institutions of all sizes
• The Build, Defend, or Concede framework for evaluating market opportunities
• How branch archetypes help institutions align investments with market potential
• Why branch-originated relationships outperform digital-only acquisition
• How brand visibility, design, staffing, and technology work together to drive growth

For years, industry conversations centered on branch closures and digital transformation. Yet more than 1,000 new banking branches have opened annually over the last three years, signaling a new era of investment in the retail branch network.

At the same time, most new-to-bank relationships still start at the branch, reinforcing the channel’s continued importance in customer acquisition, relationship building, and long-term growth.

In this new report, Curinos and Adrenaline examine the forces reshaping retail banking and the strategic choices banks and credit unions of all sizes must make to remain competitive.

Drawing on proprietary industry data, market performance benchmarks, and branch experience expertise, the report explores the decisions banking leaders are making in a rapidly changing landscape.

Download the full report and transform your financial institution’s branch network into a powerful engine for growth.

Adrenaline is an end-to-end brand experience company serving the financial industry. We move brands and businesses ahead by delivering on every aspect of their experience across digital and physical channels, from strategy through implementation. Our multi-disciplinary team works with leadership to advise on purpose, position, culture, and retail growth strategies. We create brands people love and engage audiences from employees to customers with story-led design and insights-driven marketing; and we design and build transformative brand experiences across branch networks, leading the construction and implementation of physical spaces that drive business advantage and make the brand experience real.