NatWest announces nine more branch closures including two in Wales

NatWest Group has today announced nine further branch closures alongside a pledge affecting all three of its brands — NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank. Hundreds of branches belonging to the three banks have shut their doors in recent years. NatWest says a total of nine sites across Scotland, England and Wales have now been added to those already scheduled for closure later this year. But in a statement released on Friday morning the group vowed "these will be the last" until at least 2029. Of the nine new branches marked for closure two are in Wales - Llanelli and Port Talbot . It stated this would mark the end of its current programme of network changes and the beginning of fresh long-term investment in its UK presence and commitment to face-to-face banking. The group confirmed it is pressing ahead with efforts to establish a sustainable branch network that delivers greater support for communities across the UK, and set out its next phase of investment. It stated: "The Group will invest a further £50 million in its network over 2026/2027, focused on modernising existing locations, improving customer experience and ensuring colleagues are equipped to provide high-quality, in-person support. "To support this, it will increase the number of its mobile branch stops, expanding flexible, face-to-face services in communities across the UK, serving more communities than any other bank. As part of its longer-term vision to provide support where it is needed most and to drive local growth, the bank will also refurbish, relocate and explore opportunities to open new branches where there is clear customer demand. "While 95% of its customers now choose to bank digitally for their day-to-day banking needs, NatWest recognises that in person support remains an important part of how customers manage their finances, especially in those important life moments. Some branches will be impacted by the current programme of network changes, with a total of nine across Scotland, England and Wales set for closure later this year. These will be the last closure announcements until at least 2029." NatWest confirmed that alongside the branch alterations, it is also broadening the ways in which customers can access face-to-face assistance, reports the Liverpool Echo . The bank confirmed it would bring together its high street network of 336 branches with: The UK’s only mobile branch service, including the country’s only flying banker, reaching 577 communities around the UK each week and supporting 144,000 customers in 2025 Presence in 235 Community Banking Hubs (more than any other bank), providing shared access to cash and banking services Long-standing Post Office partnership, enabling everyday banking across the UK via 11,500 post offices The largest bank operated, free to use ATM network in the UK with almost 5,000 cash machines Solange Chamberlain, CEO, Retail Banking, NatWest Group said: "This is an important moment for our customers and the communities we serve. We are investing to offer customers a seamless mix of ways to bank with us, including over the phone, digitally, or via our free to use ATM network - while continuing to support those who prefer face-to-face banking in branches and community banking hubs. "We will not announce any further branch closures until at least 2029 and are expanding more flexible and accessible ways to bank, with enhanced support to help customers act with confidence and achieve their financial goals. We understand the impact these changes can have for our colleagues and customers, and we will engage personally with all those affected by today's closure announcement." NatWest has revealed plans to extend its presence beyond traditional high street branches, providing in-person banking in more versatile and convenient settings. Its mobile branch network currently reaches 577 communities across the UK each week, with teams travelling 14,000 miles throughout the country, having served over 144,000 customers in 2025. The bank has transformed its community banking offering through modern, adaptable formats, ranging from pop-up locations in retail parks to shopping centres and university events. Community Bankers based at local hubs provide tailored, face-to-face support wherever customers need it most, with these services specifically intended to ensure continued access to banking particularly in rural, remote and underserved communities. It added: "The bank will also continue to support financial capability through its Financial Health Checks, with over 150,000 sessions delivered so far this year, helping customers take action over their finances. Colleagues will also visit schools and workplaces through the Thrive and Financial Foundations programmes, supporting people to feel more confident about managing their money." The branches confirmed for closure on Friday belong to NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland. The shutdowns are due to take place between 8-17 September and are listed below. Royal Bank of Scotland Arbroath Biggar Castle Douglas Giffnock Milngavie Motherwell NatWest Ashton Gate Llanelli Port Talbot