A pensioner and critic of on-line banking has claimed his first victory in opposition to Spanish banks with a protest marketing campaign titled “I’m outdated, however I’m not an fool”.

Simply at some point after 78-year-old Carlos San Juan surpassed the 600,000 signature mark along with his on-line petition, the primary main monetary establishment has reacted.

Banco Santander, Spain’s largest lender when it comes to world complete property, introduced on Feb 9 that it might prolong its teller opening hours for all prospects by three hours, state broadcaster RTVE and different media reported.

The measure is about to return into impact on Monday.

San Juan offered his petition to the Economic system Ministry and the Central Financial institution in Madrid on Feb 8.

The retired physician is asking on Spanish banks to offer staffed providers for older folks specifically, somewhat than referring them to digital providers, as typically, the aged are much less relaxed with on-line banking.

“This shall be a troublesome activity,” he was quoted as saying by Europa Press information company.

Spain’s banks, like many others worldwide, are shuttering branches and scaling again the occasions when face-to-face providers can be found, prompting San Juan to name for “pressing measures”.

Economic system Minister Nadia Calviño has promised him authorities motion by the tip of the month.

Rising use of digital providers shouldn’t be solely affecting banks, El País newspaper reported.

Round a 3rd of Spaniards really feel restricted when it comes to their skill to entry providers, jobs or state support as a result of digital divide, surveys present.

The federal government promised to foyer the banks to make workers out there for older folks, saying the business recognised the issue and had vowed to treatment it. – dpa