Santander UK has announced that it will not close any additional branches across its Santander and recently acquired TSB networks until at least 2028, despite ongoing efforts to reduce costs. The commitment was made by the bank’s new CEO, Mahesh Aditya, who took over the role in March following the departure of his predecessor, Mike Regnier.

The bank currently operates 305 Santander branches and 175 TSB branches throughout the United Kingdom. This pledge follows an earlier decision earlier this year to close 44 branches, which put 291 jobs at risk. The branch closures were part of a broader plan to achieve at least £400 million in cost savings by the end of 2028, a target linked to the integration of TSB, which Santander acquired for £2.65 billion in May.

Aditya emphasized the continued importance of physical branches as part of Santander's strategy to blend digital innovation with personalized customer service. "I see branches as an important part of our strategy and do not intend to close any additional Santander or TSB branches before 2028 at the earliest," he said. The bank also plans to invest in modernizing its branch network, including introducing new "Work Cafés," which are designed to offer customers flexible workspaces alongside banking services.

Santander's approach aligns with recent announcements from other major UK banks. Competitors such as NatWest and HSBC have also made similar commitments to halt branch closures until 2029 and 2027, respectively, reflecting a broader industry trend of balancing digital transformation with a sustained physical presence.

While the bank pursues cost reductions by enhancing automation and artificial intelligence capabilities, the new CEO's statement signals a clear intention to maintain a substantial branch network to support customers who continue to rely on in-person banking services. The integration of TSB is ongoing, and the combined entity appears focused on leveraging both digital advancements and traditional service channels in its future strategy.