NatWest has confirmed a £50 million investment in its UK branch network and has pledged to pause all branch closures until at least 2029. The announcement comes as many UK banks continue to shut branches, forcing customers who prefer in-person banking to adapt to digital alternatives.
Investment Details and Closure Moratorium
The banking group stated that further branch closures across its three brands—NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Ulster Bank—will be halted for at least three years. This move is part of a broader investment in network changes and a commitment to face-to-face banking. According to NatWest, 95% of its customers now use digital banking for daily needs, but the bank acknowledges that in-person support remains essential for many.
Funding Allocation and New Branches
The £50 million will be used to improve customer service and ensure employees are equipped to provide high-quality, in-person support. NatWest also plans to explore opportunities to open new branches where there is clear customer demand. However, some branch closures scheduled for this year across Scotland, England, and Wales will proceed as planned, but these will be the last until at least 2029.
Expanding Access to In-Person Banking
To enhance access to in-person support, NatWest offers mobile branch services, including the UK's only flying banker. The bank operates in 235 Community Banking Hubs, has a partnership with the Post Office enabling banking at 11,500 post offices, and maintains nearly 5,000 free-to-use ATMs nationwide.
CEO Statement
Solange Chamberlain, CEO of Retail Banking at NatWest Group, said: “This is an important moment for our customers and the communities we serve. We are investing to offer customers a seamless mix of ways to bank with us, including over the phone, digitally, or via our free to use ATM network — while continuing to support those who prefer face-to-face banking in branches and community banking hubs.
“We will not announce any further branch closures until at least 2029 and are expanding more flexible and accessible ways to bank, with enhanced support to help customers act with confidence and achieve their financial goals.
“We understand the impact these changes can have for our colleagues and customers, and we will engage personally with all those affected by today’s closure announcement.”
