Financial Services

Rethinking the Role of Financial Institutions – Financial Brand Forum 2025

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 […]

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CQRC – Flagship

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.

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The Definition of Community Banking: Why branches must respond to the evolving definition of communities

Financial Services /

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

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The Future of Community Banking: Consumer’s Perspectives on Saving Community Banking

Financial Services /

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

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The State of Casual Dining and Fast Casual Chains: Customer Loyalty and Brand Promise

Retail /

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

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Future Of Cash in Retail Banking: Notes From Cash in USA Conference October 2024

Brand Strategy, Packaging Design /

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

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Elevating The Banking Customer Experience: Notes from the 2024 ICX/BCX Summit

Brand Strategy, Packaging Design /

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

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SLD Wins Best Branch Design at The 2024 BCX Awards

Leave a Comment /

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

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Innovation Meets Recognition! SLD is Proud to Bring Home Four Awards at the 17th Edition GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN

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

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Digital Signage Study: Impact And Insights

Retail /

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

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Key Takeaways from the WBR Future Branches Conference: Strategies for Branch Evolution and Customer Engagement

Digital Experiences /

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

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Win The Race Of Branch Transformation: 5 Strategies For Banks

Uncategorized /

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,

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Navigate And Win The Branch Transformation Race

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

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Customer Experience Transformation

Six Things That Banks Should Avoid During Customer Experience Transformation

Brand Strategy, Financial Services /

For banks, Customer Experience (CX) transformation is full of challenges and opportunities. As markets evolve, new regulations are introduced, and financial behaviors shift, businesses must adapt and reinvent themselves to stay relevant. Drawing insights from our studies, particularly from our white papers “Overcoming Stealth Attrition In Retail Banking” in 2017 and “How Branch-Focused Customer Experiences

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CQRC

https://www.sld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SLD_CaseStudy_CQRC_Header_720.mp4 BRANCHING OUT INTO COMMUNITY A prototype design for banks that harmonizes financial service with local nature and culture. CLIENT Chongqing RuralCommercial Bank PROJECT New Prototype Branch Design RELATED SERVICE Retail DesignDigital Experiences https://www.sld.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SLD_CaseStudy_CQRC_ReceptionDigital.mp4 THINK To demonstrate its commitment to the local community, Chongqing Rural Commercial Bank (CQRC) needed a modern and approachable prototype design.

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