Westpac exposed its customers to a “high risk of harm” when it suddenly closed an outback branch, leaving hundreds of people to rely on a local charity to access cash, a banking watchdog has found. The bank closed its branch in the NT town of Tennant Creek in September 2022, at first telling the community the closure was temporary. But after three weeks, Westpac issued letters, emails and text messages to advise the closure would be permanent and direct customers to alternative services.
” Thousands left in the lurch The finding comes one month after a long-running Senate inquiry recommended tougher regulation of bank closures, after nearly 800 shutdowns across country Australia in the six years to June 2023. A Westpac spokesman said the Tennant Creek closure occurred outside its usual processes after damage to the branch and the ATM, which posed safety threats. “We recognise more could’ve been done to fully support our customers during the closure,” the spokesman said.
Entertainment Entertainment Latest News, Entertainment Entertainment Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Source: 7NewsSydney - 🏆 16. / 63 Read more »