Despite the rise in mobile and online banking in recent years, especially after the pandemic, local bank branches remain a lifeline for elderly customers and those who prefer in-person services.

As the head of consumer branch banking for the nation’s largest bank, JPMorgan Chase ’s Tom Horne does not often help cut ribbons at grand openings for new locations. But he was doing just that on ...

Southern Bank says it will close its branch in Aurora in April. The bank says it is consolidating the branch with the one in New Bern. That will leave the town of 500 residents without a bank.