CBA to stay

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has vowed to keep its regional branches open, including its Kiama branch on Terralong Street, open until at least the end of 2026.

The ‘Big Four’ bank announced in February 2023 that it would keep its regional branches open for at least the rest of the year, and this new announcement extends the current commitment to three years.

CBA Retail Banking Services Group Executive Angus Sullivan said in a statement that the bank recognises that more customers choose to use digital and phone-based services rather than in-person.

“Through this time of change we want to support customers in regional areas who prefer banking in branch and so we will maintain our existing face-to-face services in these communities.”

He added that CBA will work with regional communities over the next three years to refine its strategy to support regional customers better.

In 2022 Westpac, another of the ‘Big Four’ banks closed its Kiama bank along with 24 other branches across the country, meaning Westpac customers have to travel to Shellharbour for the nearest brick-and-mortar bank.

The closure of Westpac’s Kiama branch leaves just three banks in town - CBA, NAB and IMB, as well as the newly opened Bendigo Bank in Gerringong.

by Brendon Foye