Banks close 1,370 branches in 2026
Banks closed 1,370 branches in the first eight months of 2026, with projections indicating over 2,000 closures by year-end, driven by digital transformation and cost reduction.
Consensus
- Banks closed 1,370 branch offices between January and August 2026.
- The closure of bank branches is driven by the shift of clients to digital channels and the desire to reduce operational costs.
- The number of branch closures may exceed 2,000 by the end of 2026.
- Banks are not planning to fully abandon offline services.
- The transition to digital services allows banks to save on payroll, rent, and utility expenses.
- Savings from branch closures are being redirected toward digital service development.
Points of divergence
- The closure of bank branches may increase pressure on remaining branches, especially after the end of the vacation season, and could lead to longer queues and complaints from clients about service quality. — riamo
- Some banks plan to open offices in new territories and locations, which may adjust the overall statistics. — riamo
- Personal visits are still required for opening a bank account, complex financial products, risky transactions, inheritance, power of attorney, and real estate deals. — riamo
- Bank branches may be transformed into multifunctional centers or mobile points. — riamo
- The projected closure of over 2,000 branches in 2026 would represent a record reduction in the history of observations, according to 'Izvestia' based on Central Bank data. — tg_tass_agency
Coverage (2 sources)
- Banks closed 1370 branches in eight months of this year — РИАМО
- Banks may close more than 2,000 branches in 2026. This will become the largest reduction in the history of observations, writes... — ТАСС (Telegram)