In a significant move signaling the banking industry’s shift towards digital services, Lloyds Banking Group (LON:LLOY) has announced today the closure of 45 branches, including 22 Halifax, 19 Lloyds, and four Bank of Scotland locations. This development is part of a larger pattern of branch closures across the sector, with a total of 623 branches shutting down over the current year.

The closures reflect a strategic pivot by Lloyds Banking (NYSE:LYG) Group as it adapts to changing customer behaviors, which increasingly favor online and mobile banking solutions over traditional high street branches. The transition to digital banking is not unique to Lloyds; NatWest Group also revealed plans today to close an additional 19 branches predominantly early next year.

The industry-wide retreat from physical branches is expected to continue, with Lloyds Banking Group projecting at least 276 branch closures within its network for this and the upcoming year. The majority of these closures are scheduled for March and April next year, with additional discontinuations planned for August and November.

Barclays is leading this year’s retrenchment, with plans to cease operations at 185 locations. Lloyds follows with 131 closures, while Virgin Money (LON:VM) is set to withdraw from the high street with a closure count hitting 40. NatWest is responsible for 116 closures. Other institutions, including TSB, Royal Bank of Scotland (NYSE:RBS_old_old), Ulster Bank, and Nationwide contribute to the total, bringing the Lloyds Banking Group’s projected closures to at least 276 by the end of next year.