银行网点加减法：近万家退出VS新增超7000家

Core Viewpoint - The banking industry is undergoing a transformation from superficial adjustments of branches to deeper structural optimization, focusing on a "slimming and strengthening" approach by closing inefficient branches while reconstructing offline value with specialized layouts [1][3]. Group 1: Branch Exit Data - As of December 8, 2023, a total of 9,661 bank branches have been approved for exit this year, with 1,580 branches completing the exit approval in the first quarter alone, indicating a significant acceleration in the industry's "slimming" process [1][3]. - In contrast, 7,168 new branches have been established, with a focus on specialization and functionality [1]. Group 2: Reasons for Branch Closures - The primary reason for the accelerated exit of bank branches is the impact of digitalization, with many traditional branches experiencing a significant decline in business volume, particularly in cash and basic counter services [5]. - The operational cost of traditional bank branches is high, with individual branches incurring annual operating costs of several million yuan, while business volume has decreased by over 70% in some cases [5]. Group 3: Strategic Shift in Branch Layout - The banking sector is shifting from a focus on quantity to structural optimization, with banks reducing physical branches to control operational costs while increasing investment in intelligent and experiential branches [8]. - Future branch layouts will emphasize wealth management, corporate finance, and community services, creating integrated "finance + lifestyle" service spaces [8]. Group 4: Regulatory and Market Response - The financial regulatory authority has indicated that it will guide banks to ensure the supply of physical branches in rural areas while balancing economic and social benefits, avoiding both excessive competition and financial exclusion [9]. - The trend towards establishing specialized branches is seen as a way for banks to enhance their brand and customer retention, although challenges such as high costs and variable usage rates remain [10].