Big banks and super-regional financial institutions are focusingtheir branch openings in high-population density markets, and theyare closing branches in low to moderate population markets,according to a new SNL report.

Nevertheless, some of the big bank and super-regionals continueto open branches in low to moderate population regions even thoughthere have been more net branch closings since 2006, the reportissued this week said.

“The only markets that saw an increase in the number of branchesfell within areas of high population density (more than 6,500persons per square mile) due in part to the years precedingrecession,” the SNL report stated. “Starting with a base of 11,855 (branches)in 2006, these markets saw an increase of 9.34% from July 1, 2006,through June 30, 2013, with net openings of 1,107.”

Markets with low population density, less than 1,500 persons persquare mile, saw more branches close than open with net closings of47 branches since June 2006.

What's more, markets with moderate population density of 1,500to 6,500 persons per square mile had the highest amount of netclosings at 795 branches in 2013.

SNL said banks with the highest number of net branch closings inlow to moderate population areas from 2009 to March 31, 2013 were:Bank of America (675), Wells Fargo (508), Regions (221), PNC (171), M&T Bank (161), RBS (144), SunTrust Banks (113), Old NationalBancorp (91), Zion Bank (85) and Capital One (65).

But not all of the big banks and super-regionals are moving outof the low to moderate population areas.

According to SNL, the following banks had the highest number ofnet branch growth in low to moderate population regions: Woodforest Financial (235), JP Morgan Chase (220), Huntington Bank(75), U.S. Bank (91), First Community Bank (58), JRMB II (36),KeyCorp (41), Trust Co. Bank (25), Midland Financial (21) and BealFinancial (23).

“While some banks are catering to changes in consumer demand,others remain focused on their physical market presence,” the SNLreport stated. “Overall, however, institutions continue to usetheir traditional bank-customer relationship, from generating newcustomers to offering more personalized products.”

For example, SNL reported Huntington Bank is opening branches inmoderate population regions because “its in-store interactivestrategy continues to generate new business.”

What's more, even though Bank of America tops the list of branchclosings in moderate population areas, it has increased its branchconcentration from 22% to 23.6% in high-population density markets,according to SNL.