Bankwest has announced that it will close 29 branches across the east coast of Australia, including its branch in Chermside on 20 August. This move is due to the company’s shift in focus to digital and brokerage services.
Most of the branch closures are in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. The closure will begin on 17 August, affecting 200 jobs.
According to Managing Director Rowan Munchenberg, they made an important decision in terms of their investments based on the quick changes happening in the digital industry.
“Many people still value face-to-face interactions, but customers increasingly expect seamless self-service options that allow them to do their banking when and where they choose,” he said.
“We’re seeing a consistent trend of customers choosing mobile banking over in-branch options for their transaction needs, with an 88 per cent rise in app logins over the past three years.”
Mr Munchenberg said that the changes will help them adapt to the rapid changes in technology and allow them to provide better customer service to their clients.
Despite the closures in Queensland, the bank made it clear that no branches will be closing in Western Australia. They have started sending letters to affected customers.
Other branches in Queensland that are set to close are:
- Carindale (17 August)
- Indooroopilly (22 August)
- Mount Ommaney (24 August)
- Loganholme (27 August)