Barclays is preparing to expand its physical presence on UK high streets after years of branch closures, marking a notable shift in strategy. The bank also plans to bring back traditional bank manager roles as part of a broader approach combining digital services with in-person support.
The move follows the closure of more than 800 branches since 2018, leaving just over 200 locations still operating across the UK. According to multiple reports citing interviews with Barclays UK chief executive Vim Maru, the decision reflects continued customer demand for face-to-face banking services despite the growth of digital banking.
Barclays Pauses Closures and Plans Branch Expansion
Barclays has confirmed it paused branch closures after Vim Maru took over leadership of the UK division in 2024. According to reports based on statements given to The Times, one of his early decisions was to halt the closure programme and begin planning expansion of the branch network.
Since 2018, Barclays has closed more than 800 branches, leaving around 206 open across the UK, according to the bank’s most recent annual report referenced in the reports. The closures were part of a wider trend across the UK banking sector, where thousands of branches have shut over the past decade as customers increasingly moved to online banking services.
Despite the shift toward digital banking, Barclays said many customers still value physical locations and in-person support. The bank has already relocated some branches and extended opening hours, adding 33,500 hours of in-branch availability per year, according to statements made to the Press Association.
The bank did not confirm how many new branches would open or where they would be located, but the expansion would add to existing locations rather than replace shared banking hubs operated with the Post Office.
Return of Bank Managers and Focus on Customer Support
A key part of the strategy involves bringing back traditional bank manager roles in branches. According to statements from Vim Maru reported across multiple sources, customers still want the option to speak directly with bank staff when dealing with complex issues or financial decisions.
Maru said the bank wants to combine digital services with human support rather than rely entirely on automated systems. He stated that customers should not get stuck trying to resolve issues through chatbots when they need assistance, and that the bank wants to differentiate itself through a balance of digital and in-person service.
The strategic shift also comes as digital-only banks such as Revolut expand further into the UK current account market, increasing competition for traditional banks. According to the reports, Barclays sees its physical branch network as part of how it will compete while continuing to develop its digital services.
Barclays said its long-term approach would focus on maintaining both digital banking and physical branches, reflecting changing customer behaviour and preferences in how people access banking services.
