Mobile technology enhances brick and mortar: growing the business of money.

• Author: Barbour, Tracy
• Position: SPECIAL SECTION: Financial Services - Company overview - Cover story

Alaska has a wide variety of banks, credit unions, and other financial services providers to help businesses get started, grow, and succeed. According to the 2013 Directory of Banks and Financial Institutions, there are more than twenty national and state banks as well as state and federal credit unions operating in Alaska--not to mention alternative institutions that facilitate and fund projects. The following is a synopsis of what's available.

NATIONAL BANKS

First National Bank Alaska

Alaskan-owned and -operated since 1922, First National Bank Alaska (FNBA) serves the financial needs of Alaskans with ATMs and thirty branches in eighteen communities throughout the state. It is Alaska's largest locally-owned bank. Forbes named the bank one of the nation's Most Trustworthy Companies in 2012 and 2013.

With more than $3 billion in assets, FNBA has capital to fund loans, both large and small, for Alaska businesses. In 2013 the bank had about one thousand commercial loans outstanding with a loan portfolio of about $1.28 billion, of which more than $1 billion was in commercial loans, according to Director of Corporate Communications and External Affairs Cheri Gillian.

FNBA places a wide range of business banking tools at the fingertips of Alaska's business owners and managers. For instance, its business online banking is designed to save time, improve cash flow, and streamline cash management procedures in a fully secure environment. The bank's online cash management service gives business customers twenty-four-hour, real-time access to their accounts. Businesses can view account information, move funds, and check transactions, plus initiate stop payments, wire transfers, and automated clearing house transfers.

In addition, the bank's Trust Department offers a full range of fiduciary services for individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, Native corporations, and government entities.

KeyBank

KeyBank is the banking subsidiary of KeyCorp, one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies. With assets of approximately $91 billion, KeyCorp has a presence in twenty-three markets. In Alaska, KeyBank operates seventeen branches in Anchorage and the boroughs of Aleutians, Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai, Ketchikan, Kodiak Island, and Matanuska-Susitna.

Since 1825, KeyBank has focused on helping clients and communities prosper with customized solutions that include investment management, retail and commercial banking, retirement, consumer finance, and investment banking. KeyBank also offers twenty-four-hour account access through the bank's extensive branch, ATM, and call center networks, mobile banking applications, and Internet-based services.

"At KeyBank, we strive every day to help our clients and communities thrive," says KeyBank President Brian Nerland. "We do so by delivering a combination of smart solutions and superior services and by participating in and supporting the communities in which we do business."

KeyBank demonstrates its commitment to the community and social responsibility through its charitable contributions, volunteerism, and civic leadership. The bank consistently supports programs and initiatives that focus on economic empowerment, workforce development, financial education, and cultural diversity. KeyBank is the only US national bank among the twenty-five largest to earn eight consecutive "Outstanding" ratings on the Community Reinvestment Act exam from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Wells Fargo Bank

Wells Fargo is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.4 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and...