Wells Fargo celebrates New York return with 'flash mob'

The firm was founded in New York in 1852 to provide express and banking services to California and after a long absence is now returning to the city following the 2008 acquisition of Wachovia.

After re-branding the Wachovia branches in New York and other parts of the East Coast, the bank organised an "impromptu" celebration in Time Square last week, tapping the Twitter hashtag #HelloNY and employing musicians and dancers to entertain passers-by.

The bank has also posted a blog on its history in the Big Apple and a YouTube video on its return.

Wells Fargo calls its stunt a "flash mob" although there is some contention over the term and whether it should apply to events organised by companies.

Earlier this year Spain's Santander bank experienced a more authentic - and sassier - version when anti-capitalist activists Flo6x8 invaded a branch in Seville for a "Rumba Rave".

Hat tip: Finextra friend and blogger The Bankwatch