November 17 2025
The De Wever government has indicated in its coalition agreement that it will take additional steps to keep banking services accessible to those who are less digitally skilled. The proposal is to work with the National Banks and the FSMA supervisor to develop a legal framework that will make the Bpost branch network accessible for basic services. This is a response to the decrease in the number of bank branches.
The new government plans to ensure the availability of cash. An earlier protocol with the banking sector on the installation of ATMs will be evaluated within a year. Legislative changes are also being considered to allow the installation of ATMs in shops.
banks have come under increasing criticism in recent years for ignoring less digital customers by cutting their branch network and focusing on mobile apps to reach their customers. In ten years, the number of bank branches in our country has more than halved. The most recent figures from the banking federation Febelfin show that Belgium had only 2023 bank branches at the end of 3.243.
Together with the National Bank and the financial supervisor FSMA, a legal framework will be developed to open up the Bpost branch network for basic services. This new solution is not entirely new. Since last year, customers of BNP Paribas Fortis, the country's largest bank, have been able to go to the post office for basic financial services.
The new government also wants to improve access to cash. Almost two years ago, the previous coalition concluded a protocol with the banking sector to install more ATMs and to distribute them better. The government negotiators have now agreed that this protocol must be evaluated within twelve months, together with Febelfin.
What are the plans of the De Wever government to keep banking services accessible?
The government proposes to develop a legal framework in collaboration with the National Bank and the FSMA supervisor, which will make the Bpost branch network accessible for basic services. This proposal is a response to the decrease in the number of bank branches.
How does the government intend to ensure the availability of cash?
An earlier protocol with the banking sector on the placement of ATMs will be evaluated within a year. Legislative changes are also being considered to allow the installation of ATMs in shops.
What is the role of the Bpost office network in keeping banking services accessible?
The proposal is to develop a legal framework that would make the Bpost branch network accessible for basic services. This would form a back-up system for banking services, especially for customers who are less digitally skilled.
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