The Socioeconomic Drivers of Bank Branch Closures in Spanish Municipalities

This paper examines the socio-economic factors influencing the closure of bank branches in Spanish municipalities between 2015 and 2022. This period was characterised by a significant reduction in the number of branches following the restructuring of the financial sector after the 2008 financial crisis. Using panel data econometrics and spatial analysis, the study identifies territorial patterns of closures and assesses the impact of local factors, including population density, demographic ageing, income levels and productive structure. Against the backdrop of growing financial exclusion, particularly in rural, ageing or economically disadvantaged areas, understanding these dynamics is crucial for identifying the most vulnerable territories and informing public policy to guarantee equitable access to basic financial services and foster territorial cohesion.