Department of Finance Canada Launches Consultations on Open Banking
News release
January 11, 2019 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Finance Canada
Canadians deserve a financial sector that is globally competitive and promotes consumer choice, while also delivering financial stability and economic growth. They must also have confidence that it operates with the highest regard for privacy and security.
To this end, the Department of Finance Canada today released a consultation paper on the merits of open banking. The release of the paper and the launch of public consultations marks the next step in the Government's review of open banking, following the appointment of the Advisory Committee on Open Banking in September 2018.
Open banking has the potential to offer a secure way for Canadian consumers—including small businesses—to consent to sharing their financial transaction data with financial service providers, allowing them to benefit from a broader range of financial products and services. This could better serve consumers and grow businesses and markets, contributing to the growth of the Canadian economy.
Through its consultations, the Government seeks to learn more about Canadians' views on open banking, specifically:
- Would open banking provide meaningful benefits to and improve outcomes for Canadians? In what ways?
- In order for Canadians to feel confident in an open banking system, how should risks related to consumer protection, privacy, cyber security and financial stability be managed?
- If you are of the view that Canada should move forward with implementing an open banking system, what role and steps are appropriate for the federal government to take in the implementation of open banking?
Upon conclusion of this consultation, the Committee will deliver a report assessing the merits of open banking for Canada, with a strong focus on protecting consumer privacy, ensuring the security of financial transactions and maintaining the stability of the financial sector. The Committee will consider implementation opportunities and challenges later in the year.
Interested individuals and organizations are invited to review the consultation paper at the link below and submit their views by February 11, 2019, via email to fin.OBBO.fin@canada.ca or to:
The Advisory Committee to the Open Banking Review/Financial Institutions Division
The Financial Sector Policy Branch
Department of Finance Canada
90 Elgin Street
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0G5
Quick facts
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Open banking empowers consumers (including small businesses) to share their financial data with a broader range of financial service providers through secure online channels, in order to access new, innovative, consumer-centric financial services.
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In open banking,
- Consumers can opt in to securely share their financial transaction data with financial technology companies (fintechs) and other financial service providers, with the ability to opt out at any time.
- Fintechs and other financial service providers can use that data to develop innovative products and services that are more tailored to consumer needs and preferences, leading to a more globally competitive sector.
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For consumers and small businesses, open banking offers the potential to use their own information to better understand and manage their finances. This could include applications that compare financial products, the ability to change accounts more easily, and financial services customized to individual needs.
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The Advisory Committee on Open Banking was established by the Minister of Finance on September 26, 2018.
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In Budget 2018, the Government announced a review of the merits of open banking in order to assess whether open banking would deliver positive results for Canadians.
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Contacts
Media may contact:
Pierre-Olivier Herbert
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance
pierre-olivier.herbert@canada.ca
613-369-5696
Media Relations
Department of Finance Canada
fin.media-media.fin@canada.ca
613-369-4000
General Enquiries
Phone: 613-369-3710
Facsimile: 613-369-4065
TTY: 613-369-3230
E-mail: fin.financepublic-financepublique.fin@canada.ca
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