Finland's Ministry of Finance published a working group report proposing legislative amendments to improve access to basic banking services, including extending a right to such services to micro and small enterprises, sole traders, and a range of non-profit and community entities. The proposals would also require banks to respond to basic banking service enquiries without undue delay and no later than five banking days. The proposed expansion would cover associations, foundations, and community-benefit bodies such as road and water cooperatives. While individuals already have a legal right to basic services including an account, payment card, cash withdrawals, credit transfers and bank identification credentials, the working group points to difficulties for special groups and proposes changes to ensure equal access, including for people with disabilities; it also notes broader challenges across customer groups in obtaining personal customer service. Finance Finland (Federation of the Finnish Financial Services Sector) filed a dissenting opinion supported by the banks represented in the working group, and the Micro and Sole Entrepreneurs Association submitted a supplementary statement. Stakeholder comments are requested by 8 March, after which Minister Sakari Puisto will decide how the preparation will proceed; the changes could be implemented during the current government term.

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