Map released of planned locations for new 'neutral' cash machines

The Batopin initiative from Belgium’s four main banks has released its list of locations for future cash machines, aiming to address a shortage that arose in recent years amid the digitisation of the banking sector.

As online banking expanded, many banks closed bricks-and-mortar locations, leaving cash-dependent customers - for example, the elderly - in the lurch.

Belfius, BNP Paribas Fortis, ING and KBC formed Batopin in 2020 to develop a network of cash dispensers and is now midway through the roll-out of the network.

The ATMs in the network will be ‘neutral’, meaning they do not carry an individual bank's branding and are available to people regardless of where they bank.

By 2025, Batopin aims to operate a network of 2,510 cash machines in 970 locations in 503 Belgian municipalities.

There are currently about 1,000 neutral cash machines in operation at 400 locations in Belgium - 41% of the planned locations - with a further 17% being installed.

When the project is complete, Batopin said that 95% of Belgian residents would have a cash point within a 5km drive.

Batopin is now indicating its target locations on an official website (www.cash.be) for the first time.

“Finding suitable buildings remains a challenge,” said Batopin chief executive Jeroen Ghysel.

“They have to meet a series of requirements in terms of security, size and nearby parking, but the big challenge is often finding buildings that are accessible to people with reduced mobility or that we can make accessible.”

Ghysel emphasised that a Batopin cash machine would make for an attractive tenant, with minimum nine-year contracts and solid shareholders.

“We make major investments that often increase the value of the building,” Ghysel added.