Tuscany bank branches decline by 38% since 2015

A report by the Regional Institute for Economic Programming of Tuscany (IRPET) reveals a significant decline in physical banking services across the Tuscany region. Between 2015 and 2025, the number of bank branches dropped by 38%, falling from 2,265 to 1,410. This contraction has left 31 municipalities entirely without a bank branch, while 58 others are at high risk, served by only a single remaining branch.

The study, conducted for the Tuscany Region, utilizes a municipal risk index to measure vulnerability based on physical presence, service intensity relative to demand, and demographic factors. Approximately 40% of Tuscany's municipalities (109 out of 273) are classified in critical zones, though these areas represent about 11.7% of the regional population and 9.1% of businesses.

Key areas of concern include the provinces of Massa-Carrara, Lucca, and Pistoia. The decline is attributed to increased digitalization and corporate cost-cutting following bank mergers. However, experts note that digital tools may not suffice for populations with low digital literacy or for businesses requiring human intermediation for credit access. Proposed solutions include mobile banking services, shared branches between multiple banks, and increased cooperation with postal services to ensure essential financial access.