Banking and the financial markets

The banks manage everyday money matters for private individuals and companies, such as the payment of salaries and bills, and the repayment of loans. Other means of payment, such as bank cards or charge cards, can be added to current accounts. In addition to normal current accounts, the banks also offer accounts paying higher rates of interest intended for investment purposes.

Finance is brokered between borrowers and lenders on the finance markets. Borrowers and lenders can be either companies or households, and banks and other institutions act as brokers. There are no restrictions on providing financial advice in Finland, and only some of the companies providing it are supervised. The activities of banks, asset managers and insurance brokers are supervised by Financial Supervisory Authority. Consumer protection matters concerning instant loans are monitored by Consumer agency.