Page 205 - Bank Case Studies

“There will be fewer teller windows and more side-offices

where staff can sell investments and loans. It is also trying to

create a bridge between its retail branches and its wealth-

management and investment-banking activities. It wants to

drum up business from midsized companies that would

prefer to issue securities through the investment bank,

rather than take a loan, and from individuals who would like

investment options alongside their bank accounts. It has
built a new electronic platform, Merrill Edge. That should

help it compete with Fidelity and Charles Schwab, and
provide new clients for Merrill’s brokers, now rebranded

financial advisers.” (26)