Westpac to overhaul branch network
(12 December 2012 – Australia) In response to a sweeping technological change, Westpac has committed A$240 million to overhauling its branch network in a move that will cut staff numbers and floor space in affected branches.
Announced in Brisbane in Monday, Westpac said as fewer customers carry out transactions in person, the change will involve phasing out security screens and brochures.
The bank plans to encourage customers to conduct more of their banking - such as depositing cash or cheques - through machines.
The change, which will initially be rolled out across new premises, is expected to affect about a third of 680 Westpac branches over the next three years.
In total, Westpac group has more than 1200 branches - the most of any bank in Australia - extending across its Westpac, St George, BankSA and Bank of Melbourne brands.
New Westpac branches will now include a section with ''smart'' automatic teller machines, open 24 hours a day. Smart ATMs are designed to do a broader range of transactions.
For people who would still rather talk to a staff member, terminals will be set up that allow people to conduct transactions in person, but they will be able to stand opposite their banker at a desk, rather than talking through a security screen.
The bank plans to encourage customers to conduct more of their banking - such as depositing cash or cheques - through machines.
The change, which will initially be rolled out across new premises, is expected to affect about a third of 680 Westpac branches over the next three years.
In total, Westpac group has more than 1200 branches - the most of any bank in Australia - extending across its Westpac, St George, BankSA and Bank of Melbourne brands.
New Westpac branches will now include a section with ''smart'' automatic teller machines, open 24 hours a day. Smart ATMs are designed to do a broader range of transactions.
For people who would still rather talk to a staff member, terminals will be set up that allow people to conduct transactions in person, but they will be able to stand opposite their banker at a desk, rather than talking through a security screen.
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