The Norwegian competition authority has submitted feedback to the Ministry of Finance regarding proposed regulations on product packages and tying sales in the financial market. They support the Financial Supervisory Authority's proposal to prohibit banks from requiring customers to maintain a salary account to receive better loan terms on home loans.

According to the competition authority, such requirements can limit consumer choice and hinder the emergence of new market players. When banks bundle multiple products together, it complicates customers' ability to understand their actual costs, thereby reducing market transparency.

Johanne Bakken, a senior consultant at the competition authority, emphasized that product packages diminish price transparency and make it harder for consumers to grasp the individual costs of services. The Financial Supervisory Authority has opted to delay the implementation of national requirements for third-party access until new EU regulations are established, which could take several years.

In the meantime, the competition authority argues that established banks could gain an unfair advantage in the market. To foster competition and the emergence of new players and innovative solutions, they recommend that banks promptly allow third-party providers to offer payment services, such as managing mortgage payments on behalf of customers.

Furthermore, Kristjan Ryste, acting deputy head of the finance and communication department, suggested that it would be beneficial to consider measures that promote the use and visibility of such third-party solutions, including information initiatives, industry recommendations, or the further development of public information platforms.