Branch (banking)

A branch, banking center or financial center is a retail location where a bank, credit union, or other financial institution (and by extension, brokerage firms) offers a wide array of face-to-face and automated services to its customers.

History and description

During the 3rd century banks in Persia (now Iran) and in other territories started to issue letters of credit known as Sakks, basically checks in today’s language, that could be traded in cooperative houses or offices throughout the Persian territories. In the period from 1100-1300 banking started to expand across Europe and banks began opening ‘branches’ in remote, foreign locations to support international trade. In 1327, Avignon in France had 43 branches of Italian banking houses alone.

The practice of opening satellite branches was popularized in the early 20th century by Amadeo Giannini, then head of the Bank of America. Historically, branches were housed in imposing buildings, often in a neoclassical style of architecture. Today, branches may also take the form of smaller offices within a larger complex, such as a shopping mall.

Branch Banking (Wilson, North Carolina)

Branch Banking is a historic bank building located at Wilson, Wilson County, North Carolina. It was built by the Branch Banking and Trust Company in 1903, and is a two-story, rectangular, blond brick building in the Classical Revival / Renaissance Revival style. A three bay extension was built in 1934. It features reddish sandstone detailing such as the window surrounds, pediment, columns and capitals; and an overhanging pressed metal cornice. The building houses the local arts council.

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. It is located in the Wilson Central Business-Tobacco Warehouse Historic District.

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