MyZA

News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff

You are here: Home / News / Business / Shift to Cashless Branches Continues

Shift to Cashless Branches Continues

Standard Bank Personal and Private Banking (PPB) is accelerating the evolution of its branch network in response to changing customer behaviour and declining cash usage in certain areas with more branches set to become cashless in 2026.

In 2025, the bank repurposed some of its traditional branches as part of a deliberate shift towards a more modern, efficient, and customer-centric banking model. This transition includes the removal of in-branch Teller Cash Services in selected locations, with cash services consolidated into strategically located centralised branches where processing capabilities have been enhanced.

“Our customers are telling us very clearly how they want to engage with us. In many areas, cash usage has declined significantly, while demand for advisory-led, digitally enabled banking and complex servicing is increasing (have grown). Our cashless branch strategy ensures we are investing where it matters most — in convenience, expertise, and better service, in locations closer to our customers,” Kabelo Makeke, Head (CEO) of Standard Bank Personal and Private Banking South Africa, said.

Customers who still require teller-based cash services will be supported through nearby branches that retain these facilities, while alternative channels such as ATMs and dedicated cash centres continue to provide convenient options for deposits and withdrawals.

Makeke emphasises that the transition is about choice, not exclusion.

“This is about remodelling access points. We are ensuring customers can still transact in cash where they need to, while creating branch environments that are more relevant to modern banking needs.”

The strategy forms part of Standard Bank PPB’s broader focus on sustainability, operational efficiency and long-term growth, while maintaining its commitment to financial inclusion across South Africa.

Category: Tag: ,

If you feel strongly about this article then feel free to send MyZA a ‘Letter to the Editor’ using the submission form below:

Letter to the Editor

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
If this is in response to an article please include that article title here or as the lead in for the first paragraph of your Letter below.

Separate tags with commas

Localise your letter by naming the city your words are about. Add relevant words describing your subject. Single comma separated words of no more than 5
Your Name(Required)
Your Name will be linked to the website below.
Your personal, business or social media web site
Choose NO to not set up a user account on MyZA. User Accounts will allow you to submit letters under your own Author Name

3 Latest Letters to the Editor:

  • Older Persons Grants Land Today — No Need to Queue at Dawn

    Dear Editor, Older Persons grants are paid today, 30 October, under SASSA’s revised November payment schedule — with disability grants on Monday 2 November, children’s grants on Tuesday 3 November, and grants under review on Thursday 5 November. Two things every beneficiary should know. First, grant money does not expire on payment day. It stays…

  • November Grants Pay Early – No Need to Queue at Dawn

    Dear Editor, I run SAGrant (sagrant.co.za), a free resource helping South Africans navigate SASSA grants. November grants pay earlier than usual. Older Persons grants are paid on Friday 30 October, Disability grants on 2 November, and Child Support and other grants on 3 November. Grants still under review are paid on 5 November. The money…

  • NSFAS 2027 applications close on 31 October — SASSA households, apply now

    Dear Editor, I run SAGrant (sagrant.co.za), a free resource helping South Africans navigate SASSA grants. NSFAS applications for the 2027 academic year close on Friday 31 October 2026, and no extension is expected. If your household receives a SASSA grant, your child already passes the NSFAS financial eligibility test — but they still have to…

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. US$ reserves: When it comes to holding the glorified US$, South Africa ranks 32nd out of 165 countries in terms of the size of its US$ reserves. South Africa is ranked ahead of Australia, Sweden and Chile. The USA ranks 17th, the UK 23rd, China is ranked 1. The size of a country’s US$ reserves is a reflection of its export market. South Africa clearly has a favourable export market. Again, a good market to be in for any start-up.