Core Viewpoint - Chase is committed to expanding its physical branch presence by hiring more employees, renovating existing outlets, and opening new branches, reflecting a long-term strategy that dates back to the post-financial crisis era [1][2]. Group 1: Branch Expansion Strategy - Chase plans to hire an additional 1,100 retail banking employees, renovate 600 outlets, and open 160 new branches, aiming to add over 10,500 consumer bank staff by the end of the year [1]. - The branch strategy is rooted in a goal set around 2024 to add more than 500 branches by 2027, continuing a trend established after the 2008-2009 financial crisis [1]. Group 2: Branch Network Comparison - Chase's branch network has decreased slightly from 5,229 branches in 2009 to approximately 4,993 today, a reduction of only 236 outlets or 4.5% [3][5]. - In contrast, Bank of America and Wells Fargo have seen significant reductions in their branch networks, with Bank of America down by 2,598 branches (almost 42%) and Wells Fargo down by 2,553 branches (about 38%) since 2009 [5]. Group 3: Market Position and Deposits - Chase became the largest US bank by deposits in 2020, surpassing Bank of America, and has maintained this position every year since [6]. - The overall trend in the US shows a decline in branch numbers, but the rate of closure is slower compared to the UK and much of Europe [7]. Group 4: Branch Density - The total number of US bank branches peaked at 99,550 in 2009 and has since fallen to around 74,000, resulting in a branch density of 21.7 branches per 100,000 people [8]. - In comparison, the UK has approximately 4,600 bank branches serving a population of 69 million, leading to a branch density of about 6.6 branches per 100,000 people, which is less than one-third of the US figure [8].