The Branch in 2026

Diverging Customer Needs Are Reshaping Banks’ Branch Networks

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About This Report
The branch’s role is evolving as customer needs become more divided. Banks are balancing premium advisory experiences with community-focused support as relationship banking becomes more important than transaction volume.
Table of Contents

Branch consolidation is slowing as banks prioritize relationship growth. Their latest investments address diverging customer needs through tailored experiences, flexible formats, and AI-enhanced banker expertise.

Key Question: How are banks rethinking branch strategy as customer needs, growth priorities, and AI reshape relationship banking?

Key Stat: Digitally acquired bank accounts hold just 35% of the average balances of branch-acquired accounts after two years, per May 2026 Curinos analysis—underscoring the role branches continue to play in building deeper customer relationships.

authors

Myra Thomas

Contributors

Lauren Ashcraft
Penelope Lin
Director, Data Visualization
Tiffani Montez
Emma Noyes
Senior Graphic Designer, Data Visualization
Naomi Rebuelta
Copy Editor
Amy Rotondo
Director, US Research
Matt Torpey
Senior Data Visualization Editor
Julia Woolever
Director, Report Editing
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