Banks “close their doors” in Greece: announcement from the National Bank, Alpha Bank, Piraeus

The new banking model includes the restructuring of branches and bank branch services. In fact, the major banks in Greece, National Bank, Alpha Bank, Piraeus and Eurobank have made announcements about the changes they are making.

Responsibility for this change lies not only with new conditions and technological advances, but also with movements of the past, such as capital controls.

Of course, in addition to the planned changes, we have already seen many changes in Greek bank branches, and their decline has been noticeable. Specifically, the number of bank branches has decreased From 4100 in 2009 to 1500 today, While the number of employees decreased To about 29,000 workers compared to 64,500 in 2009.

In addition, in addition to their number, the queues that we once observed have also decreased significantly, and now appointments are necessary, while a minimum of transactions are processed at cash desks, which in some banks work for only a few hours a day. The majority of banking transactions are already carried out through alternative electronic networks. Moving And online banking, While the first ones also appeared Online stores exclusively.

This transformation in the banking sector, according to Business Insider, is due to:

1. Capital controls.
2. pandemic. Prolonged quarantine and radical curtailment of bank branch operations have given an additional impetus to online transactions.
3. Digital revolution. The basis of banking transformation has of course been the digital revolution and the massive development of mobile and web banking, through which anyone can quickly and economically handle almost all banking tasks from their home, office or hotel.

Banks follow a model that aspires to combine the advantages provided by digital transformation Personal service. Stores that existed primarily to serve customers' cash transactions are now places employees have turned to Client advisors Providing better quality services, with benefits to customers and higher profit margins for the banks themselves.

The rise of electronic banking services has been recorded in recent years, with users gaining access to… 4.5 millionled to a significant decrease in the movement of bank funds, with the result that the fund is now less than 5% of transactions.

network ATM The service has been upgraded, expanding the points at which bank customers can conduct cash transactions and receive the service, while interconnection of all banks' ATMs has also been put on the table.

Changes in National Bank, Alpha Bank, Piraeus, Eurobank

the Eurobank I have switched to a phygital model since then 2021, Introducing its first two new stores in Athens, now it matters nine A new kind of store. In about half of its stores EurobankCash transactions can be made at the counters during limited hours, with customers heading to the digital corners. The bank also provides the possibility Video bankingThis is to bridge the gap of physical communication in an electronic way to facilitate operations for customers.

the National It was the first bank to provide this service Digital customer qualificationAnd enabling natural people to become customers from their mobile phones, without having to visit the store.

In the end 2023, Ethniki is about to start reconfiguring its store network, which will consist of three different types, while not abandoning the cashier counter.

In particular, there will be stores reminiscent of the current type, where there will be cash registers operating for cash transactions, while there will also be Automatic machines To serve customers faster. The new branches will have advisors to inform customers and promote more complex banking programs.

It will also set up smaller stores targeting individuals and will have consultants on new products, while these stores will also have cash counters and automatic machines for carrying out cash transactions.

There will also be new stores that will be a development for it iBank stores Which has already been launched and will serve automatic machines for those who want to make cash transactions, while there will also be advisors who will be able to serve customers looking for more complex banking products.

A new type of bank branch he aspires to launch Piraeus Bankwhich combines digital transactions and personal service in a modern space, using modern technologies that enable fast and efficient service as well as experienced banking advisors working in the new stores.

The bank confirms the offer as much as possible a personality Products and services that are formed in cooperation with the client and his banking advisor, while there is of course the possibility of conducting transactions electronically through the available digital channels.

In the new branch, the bank’s advisor welcomes the customer and directs him according to the tasks he wants to perform, while… All transactions are done electronically Through machines that take advantage of the digital channel network, with the assistance of bank employees when necessary. actually 97% Of the bank’s financial transactions carried out by its customers through the digital channels available to it.

The bank emphasizes growth Hybrid service solutions Which combines the benefits of service from its specialized staff with the use of modern tools. Having already begun the transition to the new digital era through electronic signature, it has moved simple daily transactions such as withdrawals, cash deposits, payments and transfers to its digital channels.

Furthermore it, Alpha Bank Employs its network of stores with Digital agents, who guide and train customers in the store to learn about the use of digital technologies. At the same time, a pilot training procedure was launched for customers via video call, in order to help familiarize them with the functions of e-banking services and security issues related to their online transactions.

Customers can also be served via video call, while there is also a remote customer service that complements existing procedures, developing remote service capabilities with document exchange/signing for individuals and companies.