Barriers to entry into the Dutch retail banking sector

The Authority for Consumers & Markets has conducted a study into entry barriers of the Dutch retail banking sector. The entry of new players or even merely the threat thereof will increase competition in the Dutch banking sector. This is important because the Dutch retail banking sector has become less competitive since the financial crisis. ACM does the following nine recommendations to the Dutch Minister of Finance and the Dutch Cabinet to lower entry barriers for new players.

1. Advocate for the improvement of the European resolution mechanism.
2. In addition to a more effective European resolution mechanism, advocate for a European deposit-guarantee scheme.
3. At the national and European level, strive for simplicity in laws and regulations.
4. Evaluate the Dutch system for obtaining a banking licence.
5. Strive for prudential laws and regulations that are geared to the risks a bank engenders to the financial stability and the real economy.
6. Develop a less stringent supervisory regime for credit unions.
7. Minimise the uncertainty about the law and regulations in the mortgage market.
8. Provide banks with maximum latitude in informing consumers in a factual manner about the guarantee scheme for savings.
9. Take measures to reduce consumer inertia in the market for current accounts.