Open Banking: How It Works and Why It Matters

At The One Stop Money Shop, we provide same day direct loans, and financial assistance that makes a difference. Each loan application we receive is carefully considered, and we take every step we can to find and secure a loan for our clients.

For some clients and their application we might need more information, which is where Open Banking comes in. This feature isn’t needed for every loan application, but with the importance and impact of Open Banking growing in the United Kingdom (and around the world), it is vital you know how it works, and why it matters.

What is Open Banking?

Open Banking, often hailed as a transformative force in the financial sector, is reshaping the way people interact with their finances. But what exactly is it, and why is it causing such a buzz in the industry?

The Concept of Open Banking

At its core, Open Banking is a system that promotes increased transparency and accessibility in the financial world. Using modern technology, it breaks down traditional banking silos, allowing for a more integrated approach to managing money.

The Role of Third-Party Providers (TPPs)

Third-party providers, or TPPs, play a pivotal role in the Open Banking ecosystem. These can range from financial technology startups to established financial institutions.  Sometimes it might be the bank that holds your current account, savings account, or an investment account.

With the account holder’s explicit consent, TPPs can:

Access Account Information: This includes viewing account balances, transaction histories, and other account activity.

Initiate Payments: Some TPPs can facilitate payments directly from a user’s bank account, offering an alternative to traditional payment methods like credit cards.

Aggregate Data: By pulling data from multiple sources, TPPs can offer users a consolidated view of their financial landscape, making it easier to manage multiple accounts.

Empowering Consumers

One of the primary objectives of Open Banking is to put power back into the hands of consumers, the account owner.

Here’s how it works:

Better Decision Making: With a clearer view of their financial situation, consumers can make more informed decisions whether it’s choosing a new savings account, investing, or taking out a loan.

Tailored Financial Products: With access to real-time financial data, those offering financial products services can ensure they are specifically tailored to a person’s financial habits and needs.

Increased Competition: Open Banking levels the playing field, meaning smaller companies can compete with established banks. This increased competition often leads to better products, services, and rates for consumers.

Consent is Key

A fundamental principle of Open Banking is the emphasis on user consent. Banks and TPPs cannot access or use an individual’s financial data without their explicit permission. This ensures that consumers have full control over who sees their data and what they do with it at all times.

Ways that Open Banking Helps Customers And Companies

Some of the most common uses of Open Banking include:

New Bank Accounts: Open Banking can help streamline the process of opening a new bank account by providing necessary financial details instantly.

Savings Accounts: By accessing your financial data, providers can offer tailored savings account options that best suit your financial habits.

Loan Applications: For companies like ours that offer short loans, Open Banking can fast-track the loan application process by providing a clearer picture of an applicant’s financial situation.

Regulation and Control

Open Banking is not a free-for-all access to your bank account. It is heavily regulated, ensuring that only authorised TPPs can access your data, and only with your explicit consent. Privacy is paramount, and strict protocols are in place to ensure that your data is handled with the utmost care and security.

How Does Open Banking Work?

At its core, Open Banking operates through data and API (Application Programming Interface) access. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how Open Banking works:

• Consent: Before any data is shared, the account holder must provide explicit consent. This means you have complete control over who accesses your data and for what purpose.
  
• Data Access: Once consent is given, the TPP uses secure APIs to access the necessary financial data from the bank. This data is read-only, ensuring no unauthorised transactions can occur.
  
• Data Utilisation: The TPP then uses this data to provide the service you’ve requested, whether it’s opening a new account, applying for a loan, or any other financial service.
  
• Security: Throughout this process, advanced encryption and security protocols are in place to ensure your data remains protected.

The Benefits of Open Banking

As you would expect, there are many benefits of Open Banking, we’ve outlined some of these below.

Less Paperwork: Streamlined, more Eco-friendly Processes: 

In traditional banking, when you apply for a loan or open a new bank account, these processes can involve lots of paperwork and documented proof of income and credit history. By integrating various data sources, Open Banking can streamline these processes, eliminating the need for physical documentation.

Reducing paperwork is not just convenient; it’s also environmentally friendly. With fewer paper printed, there’s a reduction in the consumption of resources, making Open Banking a greener alternative.

Fully Secure: Advanced Encryption with Regulatory Oversight

Open Banking platforms employ cutting-edge encryption techniques, ensuring that data transmissions between banks and third-party providers are secure. This means that your financial data is protected from potential breaches or unauthorised access. Open Banking is not the wild west. It operates under stringent regulations that mandate strict security protocols. In regions like Europe, the Revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2) ensures that all participants adhere to high security standards.

Quicker Applications: Real-time Data Access & Efficient Decision Making 

Instead of waiting for people to confirm financial details, Open Banking systems can instantly access and verify financial data. This will speed up processes like loan approvals, reducing wait times for consumers. With immediate access to a customer’s financial history, institutions can make quicker decisions, benefiting both the provider and the consumer.

Fewer Forms: Automated Data Retrieval & a User-friendly Experience

Open Banking systems can automatically retrieve essential data, filling out forms on behalf of the user. This not only saves time but also reduces the chances of human error. The automation of data entry leads to a smoother, more user-friendly experience. Customers no longer need to remember or search for specific financial details, making digital interactions more seamless.

Total Control: Granular Permissions & Revocable Access

Account holders can decide which parts of their financial data can be accessed and by who. This control ensures that only relevant data is shared, and nothing more. Just as access can be granted, it can be revoked. If a user feels uncomfortable or no longer requires a third-party service, they can easily withdraw their consent, ensuring their data remains private.

Accurate Loans

Full banking transparency means higher quality, better matched bespoke financial products – 

• Tailored Offerings: With a clear view of a customer’s financial history, lenders can offer loans that are specifically tailored to an individual’s repayment capacity and needs.
  
• Improved Financial Health: Accurate loan offerings mean consumers are less likely to overextend themselves. This can lead to better financial health, as loans are structured in a way that aligns with a borrower’s financial situation.
  
• Transparent Data Sharing: Open Banking promotes transparency. Borrowers can see exactly what data is being shared, ensuring they’re aware of the basis on which lending decisions are made.

Concerns Over Open Banking

While there are many benefits of Open Banking, it would be remiss to overlook concerns some parties have. However, we will do our best to allay any concerns you might have.

• Control and Access: Some fear that Open Banking means losing control over their financial data. However, the system is designed to give account holders more control, not less. You decide who can access your data and for what purpose.
  
• Privacy: With data breaches becoming more common, privacy is a valid concern. But Open Banking uses advanced encryption methods, ensuring that your data remains private and secure.
  
• Security: The fear of unauthorised transactions is real. However, Open Banking is read-only. This means that while TPPs can view your data, they cannot make transactions on your behalf.

The UK Government supports Open Banking

With over six million active users in the United Kingdom, Open Banking is a fundamental feature of the country’s banking system. As of early 2023, the six largest banking providers in the UK have implemented fully the standards required by the CMA to deliver Open Banking in a secure and workable manner.

We don’t use Open Banking procedures in assessing every loan application, but there are times when this is a helpful way for us to make the best decision for you and your finances. 

If you have any questions regarding Open Banking, or you would like us to discuss your situation in more detail, The One Stop Money Shop is here for you, so please get in touch.