Introduction

Are you struggling with the expansion or reorganization of your branch network and distribution system? Top

Solutions

COMPASS Consulting can assist your institution in:

• developing an understanding of the relative attractiveness of various communities into which it might expand
• identifying the pros and cons of potential branches and sites; and
• prioritizing the various opportunities identified.

Most importantly, we will utilize our understanding of your organization's unique goals and objectives as an institution, viewing any potential opportunities with these in mind. Top

Consulting Process

Projects include an analysis of specified markets and the financial institutions which serve these communities. Typically COMPASS consultants:

• Define the probable trading area
• Analyze population demographic and income and other population trends within the market
• Determine the amount and character of present and future residential and commercial development
• Confidentially meet with town and city planners and other local officials if required to better understand an opportunity and related issues
• Analyze the number, geographic location, deposit history and overall quality (appearance of branch; existence of drive-up facilities, ATMs and safe deposit boxes; rates; number of teller stations, etc.) of competing financial institutions within the trading areas
• Determine the exact geographic location of branches and the overall quality of each facility
• Analyze deposit trends for each banking office within the market area
• Analyze competing transaction account programs offered
• Review residential sales volume and sales price histories
• Consider relevant traffic volume and patterns for potential office sites
• Map data from your customer files using our geographic information system
• Consult with engineers, building designers or architects used by your organization.

COMPASS consultants personally make on-site assessments and spend time in the area under consideration. We have visited many hundreds of banking offices and many dozens of banking markets throughout New England. Top

Benefits

These studies will help you:

• by not providing reams of data which you are left to decipher
• avoid wasting valuable time and money, by establishing future expansion priorities your Management team can agree upon... you won't have to do an analysis every time an opportunity is presented to your organization
• avoid spending thousands of dollars in capital pursuing options that are not appropriate for your institution
• satisfy some of the regulatory requirements during the application process

We prefer to make a presentation to Management (and the Board if desired), in a working discussion group. This allows us to answer your questions, and to discuss and expand upon our conclusions and recommendations. Top

Case Studies