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Episode 25: From bricks to clicks – the future of bank branches in a digital-first world

Host: Charles Green, Founder, RFI Global
Date: December 8, 2025
Region: Global
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In this episode of Banking Uncovered, host Charles Green sits down with Brett King, world-renowned futurist, bestselling author, and fintech founder, to unpack the data behind the global decline of bank branches and what the AI-driven, digital-first future means for traditional banks and neobanks.

Drawing on data from Brett’s new book Branch Tomorrow and RFI Global’s research, the conversation explores how trust in banking is moving from physical presence to digital reliability, utility and security at scale. They discuss why banks without branches are winning on trust, transparency and speed and why incumbents must right-size and embed AI to remain relevant. Beyond technology, the episode addresses the social and regulatory realities, including the Community Reinvestment Act in the US, postal banking models in the UK and Australia, and the risks of financial exclusion when branches close too quickly.

Brett predicts that as AI becomes more competent, many services that once required a branch visit will be handled digitally. He foresees banks developing AI that can provide personalised financial advice and support, reducing the need for in-person interactions.

Topics discussed include:

  • The global decline of branch networks and why trust is migrating to digital reliability, speed and utility
  • How Chase exemplifies branch optimisation while spending $18B per month on digital
  • Why neobanks scale faster: cloud-native stacks, cultural agility and freedom from legacy budget trade-offs
  • China’s dual reality: low branch density yet near‑ubiquitous digital wallets and monthly usage and implications for ‘cashless’ economies
  • The future role of branches: pop‑ups, billboard presence and boutique advisory centres supporting a digital-first core

And much more…

Key insights include:

  • The US is on track to have around 50% fewer branches by 2030 than at the 2008 peak
  • The UK is projected to have fewer than 2,000 branches by 2030 and only a few hundred by the end of the 2030s
  • China’s digital penetration: around 98% of citizens have access to a digital wallet and around 93% use it monthly; an average Chinese branch serves around 14,000 customers (vs higher density in the US/UK)
  • Generative/agentic in action: AI for fraud detection, anti-money laundering and internal productivity and why customer‑facing AI must be rolled out carefully to preserve trust

And much more…

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