Itaú Unibanco ordered to maintain bank branches in São Luís

A court in Maranhão has ordered Itaú Unibanco to maintain in-person operations at two bank branches in São Luís, specifically in the Cohama and Rua da Paz neighborhoods. Judge Douglas de Melo Martins issued the ruling, granting the bank 30 days to comply. Failure to do so will result in a daily fine of R$ 10,000 per unit.

In addition to the mandate to keep the branches open, the bank was ordered to pay R$ 500,000 in collective moral damages, which will be directed to the Special Fund for Diffuse Rights. The legal action was initiated by the Maranhão Institute for the Promotion and Defense of the Citizen and Consumer (Procon-MA) and the Maranhão Bank Employees Union (SEEB-MA).

The plaintiffs argued that the closures would negatively impact approximately 6,000 customers, including roughly 3,000 retirees and pensioners who rely on physical services. While Itaú argued that digital channels and mobile applications are sufficient for modern banking needs, the court determined that banking services are essential and that the simultaneous closure of these units would compromise service quality and accessibility for low-income individuals and the elderly.