Norway competition authority starts review of banking market

Svenska Handelsbanken AB

27/05/2026 08:54

May 27 (Reuters) - Norway's competition authority said on Wednesday it had launched an inquiry into the country's banking market to assess competition between banks, in a first step towards a possible formal market investigation.
Authority seeking information from banks and other stakeholders with in-depth knowledge of the market.
"More effective competition can lead to lower mortgage interest rates, higher deposit rates and lower fees," the watchdog said in a statement.
Previous reviews found low customer mobility, barriers for banks seeking to enter or grow, and market conditions that could make it easier for banks to coordinate interest-rate levels.
Fourteen banks asked to provide information.
If inquiry finds that competition is significantly restricted, the authority may move to a formal market investigation.

 (Reporting by Jesus Calero, editing by Terje Solsvik)
 ((jesus.calero@thomsonreuters.com))