The Open Banking standard and PSD2  11  introduce changes to access of account  information and initiation of payments, requiring banks to make customer data available to authorised third parties if customers so choose. This may change the way that customers access and operate their bank 12  accounts, such as by making them accessible via a single smartphone app developed by a third party . As the prudential regulator of UK financial services firms, the Bank of England needs to be open in how it considers and responds to changes arising in retail banking from this reform. In fact, increasing competitive pressures in retail banking, enabled in part by an increase in the use of fintech, formed part of the biennial 13  exploratory scenario in our 2017 stress test . As well as looking at these infrastructure changes impacting the firms we regulate, we are also opening ourselves to change by experimenting with new technologies when we think about enhancing how we work – including for the infrastructure we are responsible for. 10  Hauser, A (2017) Europe’s second Payment Services Directive Cunliffe, J (2018) 13 Bank of England (2017a) 11 12  4  All speeches are available online at www.bankofengland.co.uk/speeches  4  14  The Bank of England is currently investing in its RTGS service , a critical piece of national infrastructure, renewing the heart of the UK’s overall payment system to meet the challenges posed by a rapidly changing landscape.
This information helps individuals and businesses to increase their awareness on the number of ways to save and invest their financial resources, as well as how to manage their financial affairs safely in an increasingly digitized environment. Ladies and Gentlemen, technology and innovation in the financial sector has played a major role in raising the level of financial inclusion in the country over the last five years. According to the FinScope 2020 Survey, while overall financial inclusion increased to 69.4 percent, from 59.3 percent in 2015, formal financial inclusion rose significantly to 61.3 percent from 38.2 percent. This was largely due to the uptake of mobile money, which went up exponentially by 58.4 percent from 14.0 percent. Invited Guests, the use of digital financial platforms for the payment of retail and public services, including Government services has significant benefits to consumers and service providers alike. Digital platforms facilitate relatively safe, efficient and  2/4  BIS - Central bankers' speeches  convenient service delivery and allows for tracking of financial transactions. With regard to Government related services, the use of digital platforms is expected to enhance revenue collection and contribute positively to the national Treasury. This notwithstanding, the rise in the use of Digital Financial Services has also introduced significant risks for individuals as well as for financial service providers. To address these risks, there is greater need to enhance cyber security and raise awareness about fraud to secure higher uptake and protect the consumers of digital financial services.