In this episode of Banking Uncovered, host Charles Green sits down with Brett King, world-renowned futurist, bestselling author, and fintech founder, to unpack the data behind the global decline of bank branches and what the AI-driven, digital-first future means for traditional banks and neobanks.

Drawing on data from Brett’s new book Branch Tomorrow and RFI Global’s research, the conversation explores how trust in banking is moving from physical presence to digital reliability, utility and security at scale. They discuss why banks without branches are winning on trust, transparency and speed and why incumbents must right-size and embed AI to remain relevant. Beyond technology, the episode addresses the social and regulatory realities, including the Community Reinvestment Act in the US, postal banking models in the UK and Australia, and the risks of financial exclusion when branches close too quickly.

Brett predicts that as AI becomes more competent, many services that once required a branch visit will be handled digitally. He foresees banks developing AI that can provide personalised financial advice and support, reducing the need for in-person interactions.

Topics discussed include:

• The global decline of branch networks and why trust is migrating to digital reliability, speed and utility
• How Chase exemplifies branch optimisation while spending $18B per month on digital
• Why neobanks scale faster: cloud-native stacks, cultural agility and freedom from legacy budget trade-offs
• China’s dual reality: low branch density yet near‑ubiquitous digital wallets and monthly usage and implications for ‘cashless’ economies
• The future role of branches: pop‑ups, billboard presence and boutique advisory centres supporting a digital-first core

Key insights include:

• The US is on track to have around 50% fewer branches by 2030 than at the 2008 peak
• The UK is projected to have fewer than 2,000 branches by 2030 and only a few hundred by the end of the 2030s
• China’s digital penetration: around 98% of citizens have access to a digital wallet and around 93% use it monthly; an average Chinese branch serves around 14,000 customers (vs higher density in the US/UK)
• Generative/agentic in action: AI for fraud detection, anti-money laundering and internal productivity and why customer‑facing AI must be rolled out carefully to preserve trust

And much more.

In this episode of Banking Uncovered, host Charles Green speaks to Natalia Goh, CEO of MariBank and member of Singapore’s Government Technology and Innovation Committee, to explore how the next wave of digital banking is taking shape in one of the world’s most advanced financial ecosystems.

Despite Singapore’s digital maturity, traditional banks still leave gaps around transparency, fees and customer experience. Natalia shares how MariBank, a digital-only bank, is redefining these pain points through a commitment to simplicity, trust and accessibility. From daily interest crediting and flat, competitive savings rates to no minimum balances and low-barrier digital investment products, MariBank is reimagining banking.

Technology and security sit at the heart of this transformation. The conversation delves into AI-driven transaction monitoring, SingPass facial verification and the importance of strong regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with integrity. Natalia also discusses how Singapore’s progressive Monetary Authority (MAS) is shaping responsible innovation across the banking sector.

Topics discussed include:

• The evolving digital banking landscape and how Singapore’s regulatory environment enables responsible innovation
• Common consumer frustrations with traditional banks, from fees and complexity to lack of transparency
• MariBank’s simplified approach to savings and investments, including daily interest crediting and no minimum balance requirements
• The success of self-service investment products and their role in financial inclusion
• How advanced technology, AI, and data security build consumer trust
• The importance of customer education and lowering barriers to entry for investing

Key insights include:

• 63% of Singaporean customers cited annual and late fees as pain points with credit cards - highlighting the demand for transparent, fee-free banking
• One in three businesses uses personal accounts for business banking to avoid high fees, underscoring how simplicity and affordability can drive broader adoption
• MariBank’s digital investment products start from just $1, compared with $1,000 at traditional banks - demonstrating how low entry barriers can democratise investing
• MariBank’s money market fund surpassed SGD 1 billion in assets within its first year, becoming one of Singapore’s top five funds and proving strong consumer appetite for accessible investment solutions
• Daily interest crediting and a flat, competitive rate for all customers strengthen perceptions of fairness and transparency - key drivers of trust in digital banking.
• SingPass facial verification and AI-based transaction monitoring reinforce security, ensuring innovation doesn’t come at the expense of consumer protection.
• Maribank use Generative AI for fraud detection, anti-money laundering and staff productivity, with careful rollout for customer-facing applications to sustain trust
• Singapore’s regulatory environment, led by MAS, remains a global benchmark, showing how progressive oversight enables innovation without compromising integrity

2025 marks a pivotal shift in consumer behaviour in financial services -the year mobile banking overtook online banking as the primary way customers interact with their finances. For many, the app is the bank. As customer expectations rise, financial institutions are competing to deliver seamless, secure and personalised digital experiences that both satisfy customers and drive return on investment.

In this episode of Banking Uncovered, host Charles Green speaks with Mark Donohue, founder of iSky Research, now Managing Director of iSky at RFI Global, following its acquisition. Together, they explore how banks around the world are evolving their app design and functionality, what defines best practice in user experience, and where the next wave of digital innovation will come from.

Looking to 2026, Mark gives his predictions on what he thinks will shape the mobile banking landscape.

Topics discussed include:

• The global shift towards mobile banking as the primary channel for everyday transactions
• How traditional banks are closing the digital experience gap with neobanks through improved self-service and design
• The growing importance of simplicity and intuitive money management tools in mobile banking apps
• The role of customisation and personalisation in enhancing user experience
• How AI and data readiness are enabling more contextual, conversational banking experiences
• The increasing importance of trust and security for customers and how banks are responding to this need
• The balance between frictionless customer journeys and robust fraud protection
• Digital banking challenges and opportunities for small businesses, including virtual cards and spending controls
• The potential of AI to reduce the cost to serve while deepening customer engagement through data-driven insights
• Why banks must differentiate their digital offering to stand out in a crowded marketplace