Protecting those excluded by financial digitalisation: from voluntariness to public service obligations

Abstract

Various groups have been adversely affected by the digitalization of the financial sector, as they face difficulties in accessing digital financial services. Several solutions can be adopted to ensure the financial inclusion of all citizens, justified on ethical, economic or legal grounds, and which can come from both market operators and public authorities. Among the latter, as an exceptional alternative, certain financial services -considered essential- could be classified as services of general economic interest, requiring them to be provided in person by means of public service obligations.