# Barclays boss Vim Maru is bringing back branch managers and expanding physical stores.

*fintech · news · 2026-04-06 · The daily Star*

## Key points

- Barclays is reversing its branch closure policy and plans to reopen high-street branches in the UK.
- Chief executive Vim Maru has frozen further branch closures and aims to expand physical store presence.
- Barclays will reinstate branch managers to provide face-to-face customer service, moving away from chatbots.
- The bank has added 33,500 hours of in-branch availability per year by extending opening hours.

**Companies:** Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group
**Countries:** United Kingdom

[Read the full story on The daily Star](https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/uk-news/huge-uk-bank-reopen-high-36974284)

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