One of Australia’s largest commercial banks has admitted that its decision to close branches in regional and rural areas has adversely affected local communities.
During a Senate inquiry into regional and rural bank closures on March 2, Westpac bank’s chief customer engagement officer Ross Miller said the bank was aware that some of its customers were not ready to move away from face-to-face banking services.
“For a small minority, going into a bank branch is still preferred and necessary,” he said.
“This means while there are fewer people using our branches, the absence of one is to have a significant impact on some.”…