Where are data on payments and payment transfers available?
Data on payment and terminal transactions are available for example on the Bank of Finland's website, while data on TARGET2 are available on the website of the European Central Bank. Furthermore, the Federation of Finnish Financial Services annually releases statistical data on the banks' payment systems on its website.
Where can I get information on payments, for example e-invoicing, card payments, the Single European Payments Area, SEPA, or foreign payments?
You are well advised to contact your own bank in many payment issues. In addition, you can find information on payments and SEPA on the website of the Federation of Finnish Financial Services. Information on SEPA is also available on the Bank of Finland and European Central Bank websites.
How should I go about solving problems related to payments?
First you should look to your own bank for a solution. The Finnish Financial Ombudsman Bureau also helps insurance, banking and securities customers deal with problem situations and reviews complaints. Complaints against banks or insurance companies may be filed with the Finnish Financial Ombudsman Bureau.
How can I ensure that payments are safe?
Many banks provide information on safe payments on their websites. Information on safe payments is also available from the Federation of Finnish Financial Services (in Finnish).
What is the Payment Services Directive and how is it relevant to the individual consumer?
The EU Payment Services Directive has been incorporated into Finnish law through the
Payment Services Act and the
Payment Institutions Act (in Finnish). In the Payment Services Act, common terms of payment across Europe are defined. Harmonised legislation is a condition for the fulfilment of the Single European Payments Area, SEPA.