EghtesadOnline: The number of bank branches per capita increased by 42% over the 15-year period in the Iranian year ending March 20, 2017, according to the latest figures published by the Statistical Center of Iran.

EghtesadOnline: Iranian banks have shrunk by 0.3% in the previous quarter ending March 20 compared with the previous year, fulfilling a long-held target for an industry marked by overcapacity and rapid proliferation across the country.

EghtesadOnline: The controversy surrounding the high number of Iranian bank branches is still raging with the dominant theme being the extension of lenders’ sphere of influence far wider.