银行网点布局逻辑变了：年内近万家退出，也有新增超7000家

Core Viewpoint - The banking industry is undergoing a transformation from superficial adjustments of branches to deep structural optimization, focusing on a precise "slimming and strengthening" action by closing low-efficiency branches while reconstructing offline value with specialized layouts [1][4]. 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, marking a significant acceleration in the industry's "slimming" process [1][4]. - Among the branches closed, over 80% are rural commercial banks, indicating a concentrated effort in this sector [4]. Group 2: Digitalization Impact - The primary reason for the accelerated exit of bank branches is the impact of digitalization, with the highest number of branch closures due to regulatory approvals for mergers or dissolutions occurring in Inner Mongolia, totaling 139 branches [5]. - The proliferation of mobile and online banking has led to a noticeable decline in business volume at traditional branches, particularly in cash and basic counter services [5]. Group 3: Operational Efficiency - Traditional bank branches face severe cost-revenue imbalances, with annual operating costs for a single branch reaching several million yuan, while transaction volumes have dropped by over 70% in some cases [6]. - Banks are increasingly focusing on transforming branches into comprehensive, ecological, and intelligent service points, as highlighted by various bank executives in their annual reports [6]. Group 4: Branch Optimization Strategy - The trend is shifting from "quantity expansion" to "structural optimization," with banks reducing physical branches to control operational costs while investing in intelligent and experiential branches [9]. - Future branch layouts will emphasize wealth management, corporate finance, and community services, creating integrated "finance + lifestyle" service spaces [9]. Group 5: Innovative Service Models - Over 90% of bank branches have implemented smart teller machines, with some introducing remote video customer service and VR experience zones [10]. - Banks are developing specialized branches, such as automotive finance branches, to cater to specific customer needs and enhance service offerings [10]. Group 6: Future Outlook - The future of bank branches is envisioned as interactive points for customer engagement and brand representation, with a need to balance costs and customer experience [12]. - While the number of branches, especially in first- and second-tier cities, is expected to continue decreasing, the pace will slow, and the focus will shift to more precise and scientific layouts with differentiated operations [12].