The future of physical bank branches

The modern consumer has become accustomed to managing virtually everything from their smartphone, and they have come to expect the same from banking. As banks move to becoming nearly 100% digital in the services they offer, there will still be a need for bank branches as some financial decisions are more complex and have a meaningful long-term impact in the lives of customers. As such, customers need relationship managers and specialists who can provide them with advice and support in making critical financial decisions. This shift in what a bank branch does means that banks’ physical branch networks are likely to be fewer, but with a focus more on helping clients with personalized advice. They will likely have the look and feel of a wealth management center rather than a bank branch as we typically imagine it.