The Reserve Bank's proposal to set up more branches and ATMs has left one expert stunned. 

It's asking for public feedback on requiring banks to provide accessible cash services countrywide, free of charge.  

It includes ensuring those in urban areas can reach a service by walking.  

But Massey University Banking Professor Claire Matthews says the need isn't high enough to warrant banks spending money on this plan, which she says has come out of left field.  

She told Ryan Bridge that while the disaster argument does carry water, this doesn’t seem to be the right solution, as it’s not clear cash has been lacking in most of the one’s we’ve had. 

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