17/06/2021 Rethinking Wales: Banking for the Community

Institute of Welsh Affairs

This event discusses changes to how communities in Wales are using banking services, and explores the possibilities of more community-oriented models.
One of the most dramatic changes to Welsh high streets in the last decade has been the decline of banking, with the closure of just over 40% of bank branches leaving customers and businesses struggling to manage their cash.
In this edition of our Rethinking Wales series, we explore the reasons behind this change and what can be done to ensure that people can continue to access this vital basic service in the future, whilst also finding ways to make the banking system work better for the interests of Wales.
Panellists:

• Tegid Roberts, Banc Cambria
• Ben Joakim, Head of Strategy, Principality Building Society
• Valentine Mulholland, Senior Policy & Propositions Manager, Money & Pensions Service

This is an hour long panel discussion on Zoom chaired by the IWA Director, Auriol Miller.
An open, politically independent and inclusive space for discussion and debate is the best way to identify the challenges we face in Wales because of Covid-19, and work out where the opportunities for real change are.
We are well placed to bring those voices together, and the IWA’s #RethinkingWales series (supported by the National Lottery Community Fund) will explore how various sectors need to respond to this crisis and how we need to start thinking differently.