New banking hubs announced as access to cash regulation commences

The rollout of banking hubs has gained momentum, with 15 new sites announced as stricter industry regulations aimed at protecting cash access come into effect.

Link, the cash machine operator, is identifying additional locations in communities such as Frome, Newquay, and Thetford, bringing the total planned hubs to 163, including 81 already operational since the initiative began in 2021. This development is a boost for the Government, which recently secured a commitment from the banking sector to establish 350 hubs over the next five years. As more branches close due to the rise of online banking, these hubs, operated in collaboration with the Post Office, offer essential services to both retail and business customers.

Existing services will not be removed before the replacement services are in place. These changes are a direct result of the new rules.

Under the rules, banks and building societies must assess whether changes to local services, like closing branches or cash machines, leave local communities lacking ways to take out or pay in cash. Additionally, residents, businesses, local representatives and charities who feel there is a gap in cash access can request a review. Charities or local groups will be able to share a collective view of community needs, including the most vulnerable residents and businesses which rely heavily on cash.

Link will then have 12 weeks to do an assessment which examines whether there are gaps in the ability to deposit and withdraw cash. If there are significant gaps, banks and building societies will need to deliver additional cash services to meet the local areas’ needs. These could include banking hubs, cash machines, deposit ATMs and Post Office facilities. The FCA will use data to oversee how the rules are working in practice.

Sheldon Mills, Executive Director for Consumers and Competition at the FCA, said “The way we spend money is changing, and far fewer of us use cash day-to-day. We don’t want to stand in the way of change, but we do want to ensure reasonable access for those who continue to rely on cash. Our new rules are already having an impact, protecting vital services for communities across the country.”

The FCA’s 2022 Financial Lives Survey found that while digital payments are popular, 3.1 million adults still use cash for everyday payments. The new rules are intended to ensure that individuals and businesses who rely on cash can continue to access it.