The Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority (FIN-FSA) published its assessment of the availability and pricing of basic banking services in 2024, concluding that customers’ legal right to these services was generally fulfilled. The assessment is based on data reflecting the situation as at 31 December 2024 and shows that use of basic services is primarily concentrated in digital channels. Around 86% of retail customers aged 15 and over with a payment account had an agreement enabling online and/or mobile banking, with Statistics Finland data indicating that usage only falls markedly in the over-75 age group. The number of branches and ATMs fell further in 2024, which may have weakened local access to branch services and cash, although cash services were available throughout opening hours at more branches than in the previous year. The overall price level for basic banking services remained broadly unchanged, but customers using digital channels continued to face materially lower costs, while banks’ service packages and discounts were mainly focused on digital use; FIN-FSA flagged pricing for non-digital customers as an area needing particular attention and pointed to it as good practice to offer similar pricing where customers cannot use digital services due to disability or comparable limitations.
Finanssivalvonta 2025-06-05
Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority survey finds basic banking services rights largely met in 2024 while digital banking dominates and branch access declines
The Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority (FIN-FSA) assessed 2024's basic banking services, finding legal rights generally met with strong digital concentration. While 86% of retail customers aged 15 and over had online or mobile banking agreements, branch and ATM numbers declined, potentially affecting local access. FIN-FSA highlighted the need for equitable pricing for non-digital customers, especially those unable to use digital services due to disabilities.