Open Banking

Definition ∞ Open banking is a regulatory framework that permits third-party financial service providers access to customer banking data, with explicit customer consent. This access occurs securely through Application Programming Interfaces. It promotes competition and innovation by enabling new services like aggregated financial views, personalized budgeting tools, and faster payment initiation. This system aims to empower consumers with greater control over their financial information.
Context ∞ Open banking is a significant topic in financial technology news, influencing how traditional banks interact with fintech companies and, increasingly, with digital asset platforms. Discussions often involve data privacy concerns, the development of standardized APIs, and its potential to streamline fiat-to-crypto gateways. Future trends suggest an expansion of open banking principles globally, potentially fostering deeper integration between conventional and decentralized financial services.