29/01/2021 FAO: HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group, Nationwide Building Society, NatWest, Santander UK, Barclays, TSB, Halifax. In recent years we have seen seismic changes in retail banking and the UK’s cash infrastructure. The innovation that has allowed millions of consumers to enjoy the convenience of contactless payments and 24/7 access to their bank account via the mobile phone in their pocket has benefitted many. It is clear, however, that cash is still an important lifeline for millions of people across the UK, with our latest research finding 10 million people are not ready or able to give it up. As you will be aware from your own customers, many older or more vulnerable people rely on cash as a means of budgeting or managing payments.