BNP Paribas has announced plans to shut 200 of its retail branches across France by the end of 2026, as the bank accelerates its shift towards digital banking services and streamlines operations in response to changing customer behaviour and regulatory pressures.
The closures will unfold in two phases: around 80 branches are set to close in 2025, followed by a further 120 the following year. The restructuring aims to boost profitability in a challenging retail environment, while reducing branch staff numbers by roughly 5% annually.
However, the French banking giant emphasised that redundancies will be avoided. Staff affected by the closures are expected to be redeployed within the organisation, particularly in areas such as online banking, customer service centres, and telephone banking. The bank also plans to rely on natural attrition as part of its workforce management strategy.
Ongoing consultations with trade unions began in March, when BNP Paribas first outlined its vision for restructuring its Commercial and Personal Banking division in France. The bank has reiterated its commitment to supporting all employees through the transition.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy under CEO Jean-Laurent Bonnafé to modernise retail banking and navigate headwinds from low interest rates and European Central Bank policy. The effort will be led by Isabelle Loc, recently appointed to oversee the retail division. Loc is expected to focus on expanding digital platforms like Hello bank! and strengthening the bank’s private banking services.
BNP Paribas currently operates around 1,500 branches in France. More detailed plans are expected to be disclosed later in June, as the bank also continues its push into cloud and AI technologies via a renewed 10-year partnership with IBM Cloud.
