Suncorp will look for efficiencies in its banking business by merging the retail and business banking operations. Suncorp chief executive John Mulcahy said yesterday that the two divisions would use a shared product manufacturing and processing platform. Mulcahy said he expected the move would streamline operations, improve governance and prioritise capital usage.The different platforms date from the financier's history, being the amalgamation 10 years ago of Metway Bank with Suncorp (both of which operated retail banking platforms) and QIDC.He said strategic priorities would be to develop more specialist services, expand the relationship banking model and continue moving into the targeted growth areas of Queensland and Western Australia.In June and July, Suncorp closed retail bank branches in Bendigo, Goulburn, Taree, Albury, Wagga and Dubbo. The branches were originally GIO offices and were not considered good sites.The group had a net increase in branches in the 2007/08 financial year, with 12 new branches opening across Queensland, Western Australia and Victoria. A branch opened on Collins Street Melbourne in June.Ten new branches are planned for the 2008/09 financial year and another 10 for the following year.Mulcahy said there was no plan to reduce frontline staff numbers, although the anticipated slowdown in asset growth in the year ahead would have an impact on staffing.