APRA has published its 2024 Points of Presence Statistics for authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs), which tracks the physical banking services provided by banks, credit unions, and building societies, including branches, ATMs, and EFTPOS terminals.
The APRA report revealed that while the number of bank branches continues to fall, the decline has slowed compared to previous years.
From June 2023 to June 2024, branch numbers dropped by 6% across Australia, with regional and remote areas seeing a 3% decrease.
Over the longer term, branch closures have been substantial, with a 41% reduction since June 2017, including a 36% drop in non-urban areas.
In response to feedback from a recent consultation, APRA made several updates to this year’s report.
The new format includes charts for easier interpretation, and users can now filter data by geographic region, service type, or individual ADI. Additionally, Bank@Post facilities are listed as a distinct category, and more detailed geographic classifications have been added to highlight the distribution of banking services.
APRA noted that while the Points of Presence report focuses on physical banking facilities, many services are increasingly shifting online.
APRA is engaging with stakeholders to explore ways to enhance the transparency of banking services, acknowledging that digital channels are now playing a larger role in service delivery.
The complete set of ADI points of presence data, including tools for filtering and analysis, can be accessed through the APRA website.
APRA’s work reflects the evolving banking landscape as financial institutions continue to transition from physical branches to digital platforms.
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