Key Bank is is considering expanding its branch footprint across the nation by opening state of the art financial wellness centers. The proposed centers will potentially be staffed with financial wellness consultants rather than a traditional teller line. All transactions will be completed at desks, where consultants will also conduct comprehensive financial wellness reviews and discussions. Clients can also meet with specialists in mortgage, investments, business banking and more at the new wellness centers. In addition to high-touch banking services, the new branches will feature digital video screens and a client hospitality area that can double as an area for financial seminars and group presentations with clients and the public, as well as a drive-up teller line, ATM and free parking. - They have budgeted $$1.7 billion in the next year to stand up the new platform which includes site selection, planning, new construction, software, hardware and training for their staff. They expect to see increases in interest income of $410 million annually beginning in year 1 after implementation with an additional cost savings of $17 million annually over the next 5 years. They are trying to determine if the investment is worthwhile. - What is the annual return on investment (ROI) for this proposed expansion over the first 5 years? - At what point would they recover their initial investment? - What other competitive factors play a role in this decision to expand? - What impact does the current interest rate environment have on this proposal