For decades, banking has been shifting from “bricks to clicks” as more customers opt for digital banking and banks recognize the need to deliver services digitally. But make no mistake, branches remain essential. Two-thirds (67%) of consumers value having branches in their neighborhoods, viewing them as symbols of stability and availability — a sentiment consistent across all age groups. Branches continue to drive customer acquisition and retention, accounting for as much as 60% of new-to-bank sales. While digital channels expand, physical branches maintain a critical role in cross-selling products and fostering long-term relationships, directly impacting profitability. Data analytics is now central to optimizing branch performance, equipping banks with the tools to track and improve key metrics such as sales conversion rates, transaction costs, and customer volume. By analyzing these metrics in real-time, CEOs can align branch operations with broader profitability goals, while...