The boss of ANZ has suggested rival banks should team up to offer joint branches in regional Australia, while also offering an unreserved apology for widespread misconduct.

Amid a slew of regional bank branch closures over the last decade, chief executive Nuno Matos said access to financial services was "crucial".

The banking industry has agreed not to close any additional sites in regional Australia until at least mid-2027, and the ANZ boss said a plan is needed to be developed for the following years.

"Solutions like remote ATMs should be further explored," he told a parliamentary inquiry into the big four banks.

"Solutions like banking hubs, which basically are multi-bank branches, should be explored."

Mr Matos was also forced to defend his company's conduct after it was slapped fo

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