The Cash Action Group has announced several new appointments as part of a move to establish a Banking Hub company to oversee the rollout of cash services across the UK.

Comprising all major banks, the Cash Action Group also includes Nationwide, the Post Office, along with the Federation of Small Business, Age UK and Toynbee Hall.

In December, the group announced a decision that any community that faces the closure of a core cash service, such as a bank branch or ATM, would have its needs independently assessed by LINK. This would mean if LINK determines that a new banking hub is required, the banks will have committed to set one up.

Today, the group has appointed Gareth Oakley, who joins from Lloyds Banking Group, as its chief executive officer, while Amanda Bell, who joins from her most recent position at TSB as head of branch transformation, has been appointed delivery director.

“I’ve seen first hand how much banking has changed over the past 15 years, but it’s important to recognise that online and mobile solutions don’t currently help everyone,” Oakley commented. “I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and helping communities across the UK.”

Bell added: “Although there have been significant changes in the way people shop, spend and access their money, accessing banking services and cash remains important to many customers. I’m looking forward to working with communities and the banks to establish these new Banking Hubs, ensuring people have access to the cash and banking services they need.”

Five new banking hubs were announced in December 2021, based in Acton in West London, Brixham in Devon, Carnoustie in Angus, Knaresborough in North Yorkshire, and Syston in Leicestershire .

The Cash Action Group said it is now working closely with community leaders to establish potential sites for the hubs in these locations.

As part of the announcements today, Natalie Ceeney, who chaired the Access to Cash Review and the Cash Action Group, has agreed to chair the new Banking Hub company.

She added: “It is fantastic to see the concept of Banking Hubs moving to a reality in communities across the UK, and setting up a company to take this work forward will give it focus and resources. I’m delighted that Gareth and Amanda are joining to lead the company, and the work.

“The fact we’ve secured such talented leaders to take forward this work demonstrates the level of commitment that the banks have to this project, and the opportunity that we have to make a real difference to communities.”

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