Banks allowed to collaborate to retain ATMs in remote areas
- Products and services
Brigitte Seegers
Public Affairs and Manager International Communications
ABN AMRO is pleased that the Dutch Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) has given banks permission to coordinate their efforts, to a certain extent, to ensure continued availability of cash in sparsely populated, remote areas.
In the Dutch province of Zeeuws Vlaanderen, ING, Rabobank, SNS Bank and ABN AMRO are starting a pilot to provide access to a cash dispenser to as many people as possible within a 5 kilometre range. Multiple solutions are possible, including ATMs in shops or allowing shop customers to collect cash from the cash register using their bank card. Where an ATM is the most practical solution for a bank, the ACM is now allowing banks to join forces in deciding on the location and the provider of the ATM.
The use of cash has declined by 10%, resulting in less demand for ATMs. Nevertheless, ABN AMRO wants to ensure continued access to ATMs in 2015 and will only close down or remove ATMs in very few cases.