BB&T, the newcomer to Greater Philadelphia’s banking scene, is planning to open more branches in the area over the next three years, writes Joseph DiStefano for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

BB&T Philadelphia is led by Scott R. Gamble, whose roots are in lending to small businesses at institutions such as Continental, Prime, and Susquehanna.

However, with BB&T’s $200 billion-plus in assets to back him up, Gamble said that he will be happy to court the Philadelphia area’s largest clients, including hospitals, local government, and corporations.

BB&T entered the local market with the acquisition of Susquehanna and National Penn banks, which primarily had suburban and small-city operations. BB&T’s chief executive, Kelly King, wants to ensure that the bank has a significantly stronger base in Philadelphia than its four branches in Center City and five in Northeast Philadelphia.

According to King, BB&T plans to add more branches to the network to make its presence in the region more tangible, with offices open and visible.

“That’s psychological,” said King. “Banks are where the money is. And if I have a problem, that’s where I need to go and see the banker.”

Read more about BB&T’s expansion plans in the Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.