"No Nonsense Banking"

2 October 2026

45s

Too close for comfort.

"Banks love to say they'll be with you every step of the way, but if you think about it, that would be really weird." That's the premise of First Interstate Bank's entertaining commercial directed by Michael Downing, who runs with the idea of a spokesman with a smile on his face and zero regard for personal space.

The fact that he's there when a couple get engaged is peculiar enough, but he'll leave them alone after that, right? Unfortunately not—he's present for the birth of their daughter, her first driving lesson, and when she leaves for college ("Looks like we're empty nesters now!"). We've all had guests who've outstayed their welcome, but this is ridiculous.

He's a rather affable, ageless gooseberry, it must be said, but by the time the husband retires, he admits it's better for a bank like FIB to keep a friendly distance—that means it can handle the big stuff with a clear eye rather than one clouded by glib chumminess.

USA

Banks