The consumer interest and data protection under EU competition law: the case of the retail financial services sector

Abstract

The legitimacy or illegitimacy of information exchanges among competitors remains a contemporary debate under EU competition law and policy. This article revisits the issue in the retail financial services sector for the peculiar problems that it may pose for consumers. It analyses and reflects on the relevant case law and guidance offered by the competent authorities, providing a new perspective on the inevitable interaction between EU competition law, the interest of consumers and their protection, and personal data protection. It suggests that the current state under competition law is unsatisfactory for being short-sighted and that the EU judiciary and policymakers should take a holistic approach encompassing consumer protection and fundamental rights.