The clock is ticking toward KeyBank expanding its footprint in the western region of New York.
The Cleveland-based banker is poised to officially take over more than three-dozen HSBC branches in Buffalo and Rochester beginning the weekend of July 13. KeyBank will take over 26 HSBC branches in Buffalo and another 11 branches in Rochester. The changeover will be complete as of Monday, July 16.
When HSBC announced it was divesting itself of its upstate branches, First Niagara and KeyBank quickly moved to fill the void. Many HSBC locations converted to First Niagara branches in May.
The newest bank acquisitions will bring to 99 the total number of KeyBank branches operating in Buffalo and Rochester.
Karen Pusateri, vice president of marketing for KeyBank's Western New York region, says HSBC's decision to pull out of upstate presented KeyBank with a golden opportunity to expand its presence locally.
"We did have some open areas where we did not have coverage. This deal actually helps us to fill some holes," Pusateri said.
Pusateri says HSBC customers have been alerted to what to expect from the conversion, as have employees. The goal, she says, is to make the change as seamless as possible.
