Bank closures surge since 2016

British banks have closed an average of eight branches a week since 2016, according to research from investment platform Lightyear. The analysis shows that almost 3,700 sites closed between 2016 and 2024. Barclays and NatWest led the way, shutting 1,236 and 950 branches respectively. Lloyds closed 855 in the same period, while HSBC shuttered 743 and Santander closed almost 500 sites. Over 370 closures are planned for the coming year, with Halifax set to shut 99 branches and Santander poised to axe 95.