In reference to Brett's comment, I see absolutely no reason why branches should not disappear. In SA, Investec Private Bank operates out of two offices and provides all of the services that Brett lists as a requirement for branches such as "foreign currency services, issuing of debit and credit cards and associated PINS, etc, etc." via telephone, internet and courier services. There is absolutely no inconvenience in this system for the account holder, because all physical documents, cards and foreign currency are hand delivered to you within about 48hrs or ordering it. Which would you rather do, go to a branch and stand in a queue or have something delivered to you in person wherever you happen to be?

To my mind Capitec is a good example of the efficien that can be achieved with a new build and they haven't even started to tap into the "cool" on-line aspect yet, they've just started out with more efficient back office systems.