Banking
Consumers and businesses alike use the financial services provided by the banking and payment sectors. The Commission applies the EU competition rules fully to these sectors. The banking sector includes retail banking (for individual consumers), wholesale banking (for financial institutions) and corporate banking (services to companies).
Insurance
Cooperation amongst insurers can enhance efficiency, for instance by helping insurers to share large and unpredictable risks or to gain better understanding of certain specific risks. Competition concerns arise, however, where such cooperation distorts competition and exceeds what is necessary to achieve substantial efficiency gains.
Capital Markets
An integrated financial market at European level plays a crucial role in making European businesses more competitive and generating growth and jobs. A single, deep, and liquid capital market can eliminate inefficiencies in the financial system, increase returns on savings and reduce the cost of borrowing.
