ESA discontinues e-payments competition investigation in Norway

3.4.2019

EN | NO

The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) has decided to discontinue an investigation regarding suspected breaches of the competition rules in the EEA Agreement.

Following a complaint, ESA started an investigation into whether Finance Norway, Bits, BankID, DNB and Nordea engaged in agreements, decisions or concerted practices aimed at preventing Swedish payment initiation provider Trustly from entering the e-payments market in Norway.

Find the opening decision here. 

ESA took this closure decision after careful assessment of the relevant circumstances of the case. Shortly after ESA opened formal proceedings, technical and contractual solutions were put in place, which enabled access to the e-payments market. Furthermore, Trustly withdrew its complaint in November 2018, and confirmed that it was no longer experiencing obstructions in Norway.

In light of this and for reasons of prioritisation, ESA is now discontinuing its pending formal investigation, but will continue to monitor the relevant markets closely in Norway.

For further information, please contact:

Øystein Solvang
Head of Communications
tel. +32 2 286 18 66
mob. +32 490 57 63 53