Η εξ αποστάσεως παροχή χρηματοοικονομικών υπηρεσιών προς καταναλωτές

Abstract

The term Financial services is used to refer to a range of services provided by the financial sector. They are provided by banks, electronic money institutions, payment institutions and insurance and investment companies. The remote provision of financial services is part of the broader conceptual and operational framework of „trade at a distance‟. That is, trade carried out through various means of communication, without the simultaneous physical presence of the parties involved. It is also part of the specific legal and regulatory framework of electronic commerce, as it transpires by means of digital technology and the Internet in particular. When such financial services are made available to consumers, then we have a clear case of B2C, which raises many legal issues, most of which arise from the particular nature of those services. When the organizational and economic superiority of the companies which provide them is contrasted to the deficient language skills and knowhow of their consumers, it highlights a contractual relationship characterized by strong inequalities.Whether it is the provision of financial services to consumers or the provision of enlarged financial services, the simple banks or financial groups, e-banking or i-banking (which includes remote banking, investment, insurance and payment services), they are all subject to the conventional arrangement, under the protective network of legal provisions, harmonized in their majority across the EU. These ensure smooth business relationships for the involved parties, with rules relating to supervision of financial institutions, consumer protection regarding the general conditions of trade, transparency of payment services, pre-contractual information, safety of distance trading and the definition of jurisdiction and applicable law to defend their right. On the face of which, we may be able to speak of a new age in remote provision of financial services to consumers.