Rose Lapp (Reporter)
AMBITIONS to become a nationwide bank in Spain have been aborted after Barclays pulls out of large parts of the country, it can be revealed.
A spokesman said; “We are adapting to the changing habits of our premier customers, we will focus on changing our offerings using technology and providing what they need.”
The company prides itself on product innovation, and believes that local branches are not the future of their operation.
The global conglomerate confirmed to the Olive Press last night that it is to close 18 branches in Andalucia.
It also revealed that it was to slash an incredible 35% of its branches across the country, with over 1,000 job losses.
Insisting that it was focusing on its ‘premier clients needs’, it will only keep branches in major cities and a few key towns.
The move is bound to outrage thousands of expats, many who have relied on their local branches for decades.
One client said: “I am upset as they have shut my local branch in Sabanillas and we will now have to travel further to find a bank.”
Barclays has been present in Spain for over 37 years, with 430 offices nationwide, serving nearly a million customers.
not much of an exclusive, the lady in barclays bank told me a couple of weeks back … more of an exclusive way of implying barclays are leaving completely in the headline
The branch at Calypso, Mijas Costa, is NOT closing. I spoke to the bank this morning. Phew!!
Barclays has always been Britain’s worst bank anyway, just like Santander is the worst of the Spanish banks…
You should email evamaria.lopez@barclays.es to register your views….
can’t the expats find a local Spanish Bank instead
Probably, Brian, but I’ve friends who have had terrible difficulties swapping standing orders and direct debits. Obviously we would have to cope and nobody denies it but why would you suggest we are inadequate just because we would prefer to stay with the existing bank. I have a 25 year history with the Calypso Barclays and that would be wiped away. Your comment smacks of having a superiority complex
Does anyone know if the Barclays in Guardiaro will be closing?
Telephone the branch
I moved to banco sabadell a couple of years ago and get better service, better products and branches everywhere. Don’t get hung up on a British bank, sabadell all speak English and are a pleasure to do business with.
My local branch in Calpe closed, we’vbeen transfered to Benidorm. Have rung 3 times and person spoke absolute min English, transfered me to tel banking with long wait. Now internet banking is down(ok late night but no notice on website). I get cashback on utility bills and think they are trying to get rid of us. Love advice/opinions on other banks pls.