Access to Banking Services Review: Call for Evidence

Why It Matters

The findings could drive regulatory reforms and reshape banks’ branch strategies, directly influencing financial inclusion and consumer protection across the UK market.

Key Takeaways

• HM Treasury seeks evidence on essential in‑person banking services
• Focus on groups lacking digital access or requiring face‑to‑face support
• Review will assess consumer detriment from reduced branch availability
• Current mitigations and future trajectory of physical banking examined
• Evidence submission deadline is 20 July 2026

Pulse Analysis

The UK banking landscape has been rapidly digitising, with many high‑street branches closing as customers migrate to online platforms. While digital channels offer convenience, they also create barriers for older adults, low‑income households, and those with limited internet access who still depend on face‑to‑face interactions for cash handling, identity verification, and complex advice. This digital divide raises concerns about financial exclusion, prompting policymakers to scrutinise whether the pace of branch reductions is outstripping consumer needs.

HM Treasury’s independent review, launched via a formal Call for Evidence, seeks granular data on which in‑person services are truly essential and which demographic groups are most affected. Submissions are expected to cover usage patterns, regional disparities, and the effectiveness of existing mitigations such as mobile banking vans or partnership kiosks. By gathering evidence from banks, consumer groups, and industry experts, the review aims to map the current state of physical banking and forecast its evolution, ensuring any policy response is evidence‑based and proportionate.

The outcome of the review could reshape the regulatory framework governing branch networks, potentially mandating minimum service standards or incentivising alternative delivery models. Banks may need to reassess branch optimisation strategies, balancing cost efficiencies with obligations to serve underserved communities. For consumers, the review promises clearer protections against service gaps, while investors will watch for signals on how banks might allocate capital to meet emerging compliance requirements. The evidence deadline of 20 July 2026 marks a critical juncture for stakeholders to influence the future of UK banking access.