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Bir bets on branches to close Azerbaijan’s cashless gap

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Bir bets on branches to close Azerbaijan’s cashless gap

Birbank, a member of the Bir ecosystem, which describes itself as the Caucasus’ first fully integrated banking, payments and e-commerce group, has unveiled a revamped Kapital Bank-Birbank branch in Ganja, the country’s second-largest city, built around a digital corner intended to widen access to cashless financial services.

The centrepiece of the refreshed site is a space where staff will walk customers through Bir’s expanding suite of digital tools. Visitors can get practical help with the Birbank mobile app, learn how to send money and pay without cash via the m10 digital wallet, and explore other services for day-to-day banking and payments. The branch pairs these technology-led features with conventional in-person banking.

The opening coincides with a broader national push towards digital payments. Data from the Central Bank of Azerbaijan shows the value of cashless card payments rose by 26% in 2025. Uptake is far from even, however. Among bank cards issued for pensions and other state benefits, just 20% of transactions were made without cash, underlining how many people still struggle to engage with digital finance.

Bir’s strategy mirrors moves by financial institutions in other markets to blend online banking with physical touchpoints. Revolut revealed in April 2026 that it intends to launch its first permanent store in Barcelona, aimed at presenting its offering and strengthening customer confidence. Axis Bank in India has rolled out compact Digital Banking Points that offer both self-service and staff-assisted options.

In the US, Bank of America is overhauling its branches to concentrate on tailored advice and more complex needs, while TBC Uzbekistan has deployed showrooms and customer acquisition points to support its digital-first model in Central Asia.


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