Angela Eijlander, ASN Bank Chief Sales & Marketing Officer: “This operation marks the completion of a key phase in the transformation of ASN Bank. Thanks to the tireless efforts of all our entrepreneurs up and down the country and our many dedicated ASN Bank employees, we now have a strong network of branches throughout the Netherlands, which puts us in a unique position. In addition to further improving our online services, such as the mobile app, we remain in close physical proximity to our customers, which means we can help them even better with their financial questions and goals. The RegioBank name will now disappear from our highstreets, but ASN Bank is ramping up its presence locally.” 

ASN Bank’s new strategy 

A nationwide network of branches provides a cornerstone of ASN Bank’s new strategy. The proximity of a local branch is an important reason why many customers choose a bank, which is why ASN Bank is the only major bank in the Netherlands with a nationwide network of branches. 

Due to the rise of online banking, the number of bank branches in the Netherlands has decreased sharply in recent years. About half of the Dutch population currently reports not having a bank branch nearby, according to ASN Bank research. 

At the same time, three-quarters of people feel the need for a local branch. ASN Bank meets this need with its renewed national network of branches. The bank works closely with franchise partners who manage and staff these branches, often in combination with an insurance agency. These are regional entrepreneurs who know their customers better than anyone else and can therefore respond excellently to their needs. They also have years of experience in banking. 

The converted branches are former RegioBank locations which now operate under the new name but with the same mortgage, savings and payments products as all other ASN Bank branches. In this way, ASN Bank continues to offer reliable services, but in a fresh new format, not only to former RegioBank and SNS Bank customers, but also to all existing customers of ASN Bank. 

The change of name is currently only visible on the exterior of the buildings; an interior refit will follow early next year. At the same time, ASN Bank is opening three ASN flagship stores at premium locations in the centre of Utrecht, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. This is part of the bank’s strategy to further increase its presence in the Randstad. The first flagship store will officially open its doors in Utrecht on 8 December. 

ASN Bank chose a new strategy in mid-November and will focus in the coming years on growth in mortgages, savings, and payments. Since 1 July, the bank has operated under one brand name, ASN Bank, with the former brands of SNS, RegioBank, and BLG Wonen gradually being integrated. In addition to the website, mobile app, and branches, ASN Bank also offers mortgages through intermediaries. 

Retail savings account  

Business saving account

All rates are floating, on an annual basis and per account.

The interest rates for all savings products are available on the website of ASN Bank.

* The interest rates are floating rates, on an annual basis and per account. 

The interest rates for all savings products are available on the websites of our brands.  

Retail savings account

Business savings account

* The interest rates are floating rates, on an annual basis and per account.

The interest rates for all savings products are available on the websites of our brands.

Retail savings account

Business savings account

* The interest rates are floating rates, on an annual basis and per account.
 

The interest rates for all savings products are available on the websites of our brands.

Overview of the new interest rates* per brand:

Interest rates on retail savings accounts

* The interest rates are floating rates, on an annual basis and per account.

The interest rates for all savings products are available on the websites of our brands:

• ASN Bank
• RegioBank
• SNS

Roland Boekhout, CEO of de Volksbank: “Due to the further digitisation of banking services, the number of bank branches in the Netherlands has declined significantly. Clearly, this development will not pass us by either. Nevertheless, we are convinced of the combination of mobile banking and a nationwide network of local branches. With this optimisation, de Volksbank can continue to be the only Dutch bank to offer a financially sound, nationwide network. The strength of a personal financial consultation at moments that matter to the customer is unparalleled. With our branches, we keep personal financial advice accessible. Together with our local franchise partners, we meet this need for advice of our 3 million customers, soon under the flag of one strong brand.”

De Volksbank opts for franchise model
To efficiently give substance to a nationwide network of branches, de Volksbank has chosen to use a franchise model. By doing so, de Volksbank is opting for the strength and network of franchisees and the entrepreneurial knowledge they have of their own region. The distribution network will be optimised carefully, in phases and in close cooperation with the franchisees. The guiding principle is a healthy and sustainable return for both the franchisee and franchiser. In this context, the bank intends to merge branches currently close to each other and serving the same area where possible. Where this proves impossible, the collaboration will be terminated in mutual consultation with the franchise partner. In addition to our franchise model, the intermediary channel remains crucial for the distribution of mortgages.

SNS
The choice to use a franchise model will impact the 46 SNS shops that are currently still managed by de Volksbank. The aim is to bring these stores into the franchise model wherever possible. Where this proves impossible, our own shops will be closed.  Employees affected by this are part of the total expected 700 – 750 FTE reduction as announced by de Volksbank on 19 November 2024.

The aim is to guide the employees in question from "work to work" as much as possible; where possible with the franchisees in the same region. The bank expects to submit a follow-up request for advice to the Works Council for its own shops in January 2025.

For further optimisation of the other 148 SNS franchise shops, the merger of branches will be explored in consultation with the franchisees. Additionally, a number of branches will be closed, bringing the number of franchise shops to an estimated 110 – 130.

RegioBank
RegioBank works with local independent advisers and currently has 416 branches. In consultation with the franchisees, these branches are merged where possible. Where this proves impossible, the collaboration with the independent adviser will be terminated. Likewise, contracts with independent advisers who intend to close their business will be terminated. De Volksbank expects the number of branches run by independent advisers to total 200 – 230.

Flagship stores
In addition to the unique franchise model with a nationwide network, de Volksbank is introducing three contemporary accessible flagship stores for financial advice for both retail and business customers. Besides getting financial advice, customers and other interested persons may attend seminars or training sessions on interesting topics in these stores. The flagship stores will be managed by the bank itself.

Previous posts on transformation

• 4 October 2024 - De Volksbank launches transformation programme to increase operational strength
• 19 November 2024 - De Volksbank presents framework transformation

Retail savings accounts

Business savings accounts

* The interest rates are floating rates, on an annual basis and per account.

For savings products intended for our younger customers under the age of 18, and a number of other savings products with floating rates, de Volksbank will raise the interest rate by 0.10%. For the savings products in question, please refer to our brands’ websites.

The interest rates for all savings products are available on the websites of our brands:

• ASN Bank
• RegioBank
• SNS