South African financial institution Standard Bank has significantly reduced its ATM network, eliminating nearly 2,000 machines between 2020 and mid-2025. This reduction reflects the increasing shift toward digital payments and online banking services, leading to a decline in cash withdrawals. The bank’s decision underscores the broader trend within the financial sector of moving from traditional infrastructure towards digital channels. Major lenders across the country, like Absa, Nedbank, and First National Bank, have also reduced their branch and ATM networks, while newer digital banks such as TymeBank and Bank Zero have thrived without heavy investment in physical infrastructure. Experts attribute this shift to factors like increased smartphone use, internet access, and a demand for faster, more convenient transactions. While this transition seems straightforward in urban areas, it poses challenges for rural communities dependent on cash-based transactions.