Santander is set to close 95 branches across the UK, reducing its total network by more than a fifth.
The decision, announced this morning, will leave the bank with 349 branches nationwide, potentially putting 750 staff members at risk of redundancy.
The closures are scheduled for June, as the bank adapts to changing customer habits and the growing shift towards digital banking.
Once the changes take effect, Santander will operate 290 full-service branches, 36 with reduced hours, 18 counter-free locations, and five work cafés designed for business customers.
Santander stated that closing branches is never an easy decision but insists the move is necessary to ensure its services remain fit for the future.
The bank is restructuring its branch model to strike a balance between online banking and in-person financial support.
This announcement comes amid speculation that Santander, a Spanish banking giant, has considered exiting the UK market due to mounting frustrations over regulatory ring-fencing rules, operational costs, and interest rate differences.
While the bank remains committed to serving UK customers, the latest branch closures reflect broader industry trends as more people manage their finances online.
