### Major UK Banks Announce Closure of 62 Branches Amid Shift to Digital Banking - In a significant move reflecting changing consumer behavior, major UK banks including Santander, NatWest, Lloyds, and Halifax are set to close **62 branches** across the country in June 2025. This decision is largely attributed to a **decline in foot traffic** and an increasing reliance on **online banking services**. The closures will impact various regions, including **Greater Manchester**, where four branches will shut down [https://www.express.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/2052963/santander-natwest-lloyds-halifax-closures-june-list][https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/62-santander-natwest-lloyds-halifax-31610382]. ### Breakdown of Branch Closures and Their Implications 1. **Overview of Closures**: - **Total Branches Closing**: 62 across Santander, NatWest, Lloyds, and Halifax. - **Reason for Closures**: Decreased in-person banking due to a shift towards online services [https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/lloyds-bank-closing-another-8-35191907]. 2. **Specific Bank Actions**: - **Lloyds Banking Group**: Announced closures of **14 branches** in June, part of a larger plan to shut down **254 branches** over 2025 and 2026 [https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/money/lloyds-bank-halifax-announce-14-31588733]. - **Santander**: Will close **23 branches** in June, reducing its total to **349 sites** in the UK [https://www.express.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/2051547/santander-bank-branches-shutting-june-full-list]. 3. **Impact on Customers**: - Many customers who rely on in-person banking services may find it challenging as these closures could limit access to essential banking services [https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/warning-issued-millions-who-banking-31572161]. ### Supporting Data on Banking Trends - **Branch Closures by Bank**: - **Lloyds**: 14 branches in June, part of a total of 254 planned closures [https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/money/lloyds-bank-halifax-announce-14-31588733]. - **Halifax**: 11 branches closing in June [https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/uk-world-news/lloyds-halifax-close-14-bank-31584092]. - **Santander**: 23 branches closing, reducing to 349 total branches [https://www.express.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/2051547/santander-bank-branches-shutting-june-full-list]. ### Conclusion: The Future of Banking in the UK - The decision to close **62 branches** by major banks underscores a **transformative shift** in the banking landscape, driven by the increasing preference for **digital banking**. 1. **Branch closures** are a direct response to declining foot traffic and changing consumer habits. 2. **Lloyds and Halifax** are leading the way with significant reductions in their physical presence. 3. **Customers may face challenges** in accessing banking services, particularly those who depend on in-person interactions. This trend indicates a broader movement towards digitalization in the banking sector, which may continue to evolve in the coming years [https://www.express.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/2051547/santander-bank-branches-shutting-june-full-list][https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/62-santander-natwest-lloyds-halifax-31610382].