Marche region faces highest bank branch closures in Italy

The Marche region has recorded the highest rate of bank branch closures in Italy, according to data from Ires Marche processed by Fisac Cgil Marche. Since 2016, the number of traditional and cooperative credit branches in the region has dropped from 1,046 to 584, representing a 44.2% decrease. This decline exceeds the national average loss of 35.2%.

Provincial data shows the most significant reductions in Ancona (-48.5%), followed by Macerata (-44.7%), Pesaro and Urbino (-44.3%), and Ascoli Piceno (-40.4%). Currently, 84 municipalities in Marche, or 37.3% of the total, operate without any bank branches. This includes 53 towns that had at least one branch in 2016 but none today.

Labor union representatives from CGIL have expressed concern that these closures undermine social cohesion, particularly in internal and peripheral areas. They noted that elderly and less digitally literate populations face significant difficulties accessing essential services. CGIL leaders are calling for regional intervention to ensure that profits from more lucrative coastal branches help maintain service presences in disadvantaged or depopulating territories.