The Inheritance Imperative: How Branch Design Captures Loyalty in The Great Wealth Transfer A $124 trillion wealth transfer is reshaping the future of wealth management. Based on a dual-market study of 1,600 investors and 750 bankers across Canada and the United States. Our latest report, The Inheritance Imperative, explores how emotion, experience, and physical space […]
The Teller Paradox: Speed Versus Privacy in Bank Teller Modernization This study analyzes insights from more than 850 North American consumers and 500 banking leaders across the U.S. and Canada to examine the growing tension between branch automation and human connection. It reveals that customer loyalty is driven less by speed and efficiency, and more
The Teller Paradox: Speed Versus Privacy in Bank Teller Modernization Read More »
SLD has been awarded Silver at the 2025 International Design Awards (IDA) for its transformative work on the Chongqing Rural Commercial Bank (CQRC) Flagship. This recognition underlines the project’s innovation and design excellence on an international level. Located in Chongqing’s Jiefangbei district, the CQRC Flagship spans three storeys and over 16,000 square feet. The project
SLD Takes Silver at IDA for CQRC Flagship Read More »
While digital banking continues to reshape the industry, physical branches remain a vital part of the customer journey, especially when it comes to life’s bigger financial decisions. Their enduring relevance highlights the value of human connection in a world of automated transactions. Today’s most forward-thinking banks are transforming their branches into relationship-driven spaces, blending intuitive
Why Customers are Still Using Bank Branches Read More »
In partnership with Kadince, this webinar explores how the concept of community is shifting, and with it, the role of financial institutions in fostering trust, engagement, and long-term loyalty. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, President of SLD, and John Hughes, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at The Customer Obsession Advantage, emphasize that banks and credit unions must go beyond
Redefining Community: How Financial Institutions Can Stay Relevant in 2025 Read More »
Community banks have long been trusted for their personalized service and deep community roots. However, as technology reshapes consumer expectations and larger institutions dominate the digital and marketing landscape, community banks face increasing challenges in maintaining relevance. SLD conducted a consumer study to uncover perceptions of community banking, identify unmet needs, and reveal strategies that
The Future of Community Banking: Banker’s Perspective on Community Banking Read More »
As the financial services industry navigates rapid technological disruption and shifting consumer expectations, brand emerges as a critical transformation lever. SLD President Jean-Pierre Lacroix joined industry leaders at the Financial Brand Forum 2025 in Las Vegas for a thought-provoking panel exploring the evolving role of brand in the financial services industry. This session explored how
Rethinking the Role of Financial Institutions – Financial Brand Forum 2025 Read More »
https://www.sld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Chongquing-Rural-Commercial-Bank-CQRC-Case-Study-Header_v2.mp4 Where flow meets function A visionary flagship branch that transforms financial transactions into meaningful experiences with fluid design, storytelling, and digital innovation. CLIENT Chongqing Rural Commercial Bank PROJECT Flagship Branch RELATED SERVICE Retail Design Environmental Graphic Design THINK Chongqing Rural Commercial Bank (CQRC) envisioned a flagship branch that would redefine the conventional banking experience.
The definition of community is shifting, and with it, the role of financial institutions in fostering trust, engagement, and long-term loyalty. Traditionally, community banks thrived on their physical presence, local involvement, and personalized services. However, changing consumer behaviors, the rise of digital banking, and the increasing importance of social media have blurred the boundaries of
Community banks, once the backbone of the U.S. financial sector, are facing an existential crisis. More than 3,800 institutions have disappeared since 2004 due to industry consolidation, digital disruption, and changing consumer expectations. With competition from national banks, credit unions, and online-only financial institutions intensifying, community banks must rethink their role and redefine what it
The Future of Community Banking: Consumer’s Perspectives on Saving Community Banking Read More »
The casual dining and fast casual restaurant industries have faced significant challenges, with many well-known brands struggling or closing locations. Reports highlight an industry in decline, citing closures and bankruptcies of chains such as Red Lobster, TGI Fridays, and Denny’s. However, not all chains are experiencing downturns—brands like Chick-fil-A, Texas Roadhouse, and Outback Steakhouse continue
The State of Casual Dining and Fast Casual Chains: Customer Loyalty and Brand Promise Read More »
The State of Open Banking As we enter the next decade, Open Banking will accelerate from the regulatory to the implementation stages in North America. Look no further than Europe for positive clues of the impact on consumer banking with now more than 63 million Open Banking users led by the UK, followed by Germany,
Exploring Open Banking Branch Experience Opportunities Read More »
The Cash in the USA conference, held on October 22nd in Nashville, explored cash’s current and future role in retail banking. The conference was well attended, and presenters reflected the diversity of the industry sectors that manage cash within the banking industry. SLD shared insights on how cash and its management are no longer a
Future Of Cash in Retail Banking: Notes From Cash in USA Conference October 2024 Read More »
At the 2024 Networld Media Group Banking Customer Experience Summit in Charlotte, experts gathered to discuss how AI, sustainability, and evolving consumer behaviors are reshaping the customer journey across industries. From retail banking to tech-driven customer experiences, the summit highlighted the importance of aligning business strategies with customer needs in today’s digital age. Sustainability and
Elevating The Banking Customer Experience: Notes from the 2024 ICX/BCX Summit Read More »
SLD was among the three winners honored at the Bank Customer Experience (BCX) Awards ceremony during the 2024 Bank Customer Experience Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina. The BCX Awards honour financial institutions and technology providers that are transforming the retail banking industry through innovative solutions. This year’s winners delivered innovative experiences that transformed the branch experience
SLD Wins Best Branch Design at The 2024 BCX Awards Read More »
We are excited to announce that SLD has been recognized at the GRANDS DU PRIX DESIGN Awards for our design works on the Chongquing Rural Commercial Bank (CQRC), the Child Development Institute (CDI), Clover Leaf Seafoods, and Merryberrybublé. “Awards are a testament to the strength of our partnerships and the hard work and innovation SLD brings
THINK Digital signage in bank branches has become essential in transforming customer experiences and communication methods. However, there remains a debate in many institutions on the value of investing in digital platforms within the branch. This report confirms the significant impact of digital signage from consumer and banker perspectives, identifying opportunities to improve digital signage
Digital Signage Study: Impact And Insights Read More »
The WBR Future Branches Conference in Boston on June 24-25 brought together banking industry leaders to discuss innovative strategies for branch evolution, customer engagement, and leveraging technology. Prominent speakers from national and regional banks and credit unions, as well as industry experts and bank executives at various levels, shared insights on transforming branch networks and
A massive investment swing from digital transformation to retail networks is happening among financial institutions. Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and PNC Bank recently made headlines with their billiondollar investments in branch refresh and transformation programs, which impact thousands of locations across the U.S. At the same time, many financial institutions are consolidating their networks,
Win The Race Of Branch Transformation: 5 Strategies For Banks Read More »
Many of the world’s largest banks are investing in redesigning their physical networks to better serve their customers. As financial institutions realize the impact that branches have on customer loyalty, it has become increasingly important to prioritize the physical experience. How can mid-size or regional banks keep up? Our webinar, “Navigate And Win The Branch Transformation
Navigate And Win The Branch Transformation Race Read More »
