ATM Network Under Investigation in Belgium

The Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) has begun an investigation into the phasing out of hundreds of bank cash machines and their replacement by a new consolidated network of ‘neutral’ Bancontact- branded ATMs. The investigation focuses on accessibility to the ATMs, and therefore to cash, as well as on the quality of service, notably in terms of waiting time.

In 2020, Batopin, a joint initiative of Belgium’s four biggest banks – BNP Paribas Fortis, KBC, ING and Belfius – was launched to consolidate cashpoint provision across Belgium. The new cash hubs are supposed to compensate for the vast reduction in cash dispensers in the country.

The company currently operates in about 400 locations and runs approximately 1,000 ATMs. It is aiming to install its ‘Point Cash’ hubs in 970 locations across Belgium, providing 2,510 machines across 503 communes by the end of 2025, enabling 95% of Belgians to access a cashpoint within 5km of their home.