Germany’s largest banking group, Deutsche Bank AG, plans to further shrink its branch network as it increases the use of artificial intelligence in customer services, according to DPA. Around 100 additional locations are expected to close under the current strategy, following reductions carried out in recent years.
“About 100 more locations will disappear under the current plan, after the cuts made in recent years,” Claudio de Sanctis, a member of Deutsche Bank’s Management Board responsible for private clients, told DPA. At the end of last year, Deutsche Bank and its subsidiary Postbank operated more than 750 branches across Germany, serving around 19 million customers.
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While branches remain necessary, their role is set to change. “Our employees currently spend too much time on administrative tasks. They should have more time to provide advice,” de Sanctis said.
Deutsche Bank is developing AI-supported digital assistance to expand its online services. “In the second half of 2026, we will offer customers digital assistance, a kind of butler, which will initially explain how to use the app. Over the past 18 months, the number of app users has increased by almost 20%. We want to significantly grow the number of active users,” he added.
De Sanctis stressed that personal interaction remains crucial for major decisions such as buying a home or making investments. “You want to know that an important part of your life like this does not take place in the cloud, a place you cannot reach,” he said.
Regarding jobs, Deutsche Bank acknowledged that digitalization leads to staff reductions, but said these will occur naturally, as employees who retire or leave for other reasons will not be replaced.
Photo: Investment News
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