SBS launches cloud-native branch platform for UK banks

By Aarav Garg

SBS has launched Digital Branch, a cloud-native branch servicing platform designed to help UK banks and building societies modernise physical branch operations while reducing reliance on legacy teller systems.

The tablet-based platform enables financial institutions to manage traditional branches, mobile banking locations and pop-up branches through a single system. SBS said the platform was developed in collaboration with UK building societies and is intended to support institutions facing increasing operational costs and regulatory pressures linked to branch banking services.

“The biggest barrier to keeping branches viable is the legacy teller infrastructure sitting behind them. Digital Branch was designed with UK building societies to remove that barrier, giving institutions a way to serve their communities anywhere, from a high street branch to a community hall or care home, without the cost and risk of running a server in every location,” said Paul Walton, General Manager at SBS. 

According to the company, more than 6,000 UK bank branches have closed since 2015, while demand for in-person banking services continues. SBS cited industry data showing that 70% of UK adults visited a bank branch during 2024, with younger consumers among those most likely to value physical banking access.

The company said the platform supports regulatory requirements including Consumer Duty and Access-to-Cash obligations, while allowing institutions to modernise branch infrastructure without replacing core banking systems. Features include built-in audit controls, customer servicing tools and support for passbooks and branch compliance processes.

SBS estimates the platform can save approximately 1,946 staff hours per branch annually and reduce teller-related IT costs by up to 20% through automation and cloud-based infrastructure.

The launch forms part of SBS’s wider UK strategy focused on helping mortgage and savings institutions modernise customer service operations while maintaining local branch access and community-focused banking models.