这一波银行“关停潮”，来的比想象中更迅猛！

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the accelerating trend of bank branch closures in China, highlighting the significant impact of digitalization and cost pressures on the banking industry [4][10][17]. Group 1: Bank Closures and Statistics - In the first half of 2023, approximately 2,677 bank branches were approved for closure, surpassing the total for the entire previous year [4][6]. - As of October 24, 2023, a total of 8,592 bank branches have been approved for closure, representing an increase of nearly 200% compared to the projected closures for 2024 [7]. - The majority of closures are attributed to small and medium-sized banks, particularly rural commercial banks, which account for over 80% of the closures [9][10]. Group 2: Reasons Behind Bank Closures - The shift towards digital banking has led to a significant decline in foot traffic at physical branches, with a reported 60% decrease over the past five years [15][17]. - Operational costs for physical branches are high, estimated between 2 million to 5 million yuan annually, while online operations cost only about 10% of that [18]. - The decline in traditional banking activities, coupled with rising non-performing loan rates, has created a mismatch between costs and revenues, forcing banks to downsize [22][23]. Group 3: Impact on Different Demographics - Elderly individuals are most affected by branch closures, facing difficulties in accessing banking services that they are accustomed to, such as cash withdrawals and in-person assistance [26][28]. - Banks are attempting to mitigate these impacts through initiatives like mobile service vehicles and community banking services [29][31]. Group 4: Opportunities Amidst Challenges - Experts believe that the reduction of bank branches does not equate to the demise of banks but rather signifies a necessary optimization and restructuring [36]. - Banks are transitioning towards specialized and functional services, with 6,859 new specialized branches being established in areas like automotive and technology finance [37]. - The introduction of smart banking solutions, such as intelligent teller machines and remote video customer service, is enhancing service efficiency and customer experience [40][41].