Strategic objectives of the Estonian Banking Association for 2026-2028

The Estonian Banking Association is a representative organization of Estonian banks, operating since 1992.

The Banking Association’s 9 member banks employ more than 4,500 people, serve 2.1 million private customers and 0.3 million business customers, and hold assets of EUR 47 billion, of which EUR 32 billion are loans to the Estonian economy. The main objectives of the Estonian Banking Association are to develop Estonian banking and to coordinate the joint activities of its member banks.

The Estonian Banking Association is a member of the European Banking Federation.

Mission

The mission of the Estonian Banking Association is to contribute to the development of Estonian society and the economic environment by shaping a reliable and sustainable financial environment oriented towards economic growth and innovation.

To support the competitiveness underlying the well-being of the Estonian economy, the Banking Association advocates for a stable business and tax environment, for the availability of loans, and for removing bureaucratic obstacles. We also support the further development of the capital market in order to expand companies’ opportunities to raise capital more easily.

The Banking Association promotes the financial sector’s shared values, transparency, and high ethical standards, supporting the sector’s good reputation and responsible conduct.

The Banking Association stands for all financial market participants – regardless of their size or business model – acting transparently, in good faith, and with customers’ interests in mind, so that the financial environment is safe and trustworthy for everyone.

Vision

The Estonian banking sector is an open and trustworthy partner in society, helping to strengthen the economy’s competitiveness, supporting people’s financial confidence, and operating within a clear and comprehensible legal framework, both in Estonia and in Europe.

Main focus areas:

  • Access to capital
  • A clear legal environment
  • Promoting financial literacy and responsible lending
  • Fraud prevention and financial security
  • Cybersecurity and innovation

1. Access to capital

The Banking Association advocates for the continued availability of financing needed for society’s development and for improving access to capital for both individuals and businesses.

Developed capital markets help promote economic growth and increase societal well-being. 

2. A clear legal environment

The Banking Association’s goal is to help shape a reasonable and proportionate legal environment that is:

  • clear and unambiguous for all market participants, including ordinary users of financial services;
  • predictable and communicated early, allowing for quality preparation and implementation;
  • balanced, taking into account financial stability, consumer protection, and innovation.

3. Promoting financial literacy and responsible lending

The Banking Association continues to contribute to raising the financial awareness of the Estonian people, focusing on the following areas:

  • practical knowledge that supports everyday financial decisions (related to borrowing and saving);
  • simple and clear use of language.

The Banking Association continues to stand for responsible lending practices.

4. Fraud prevention and financial security

The Banking Association considers financial security and the protection of customers and their financial assets to be important in a rapidly changing technological environment. The focus is on:

  • cross-sector cooperation with other sectors, organisations, and the state in preventing fraud;
  • raising awareness at both the customer and societal level.

5. Cybersecurity and innovation

Digital development is not an end in itself, but part of a broader vision – a strong, resilient, and trustworthy financial system. 

The Banking Association views artificial intelligence as a tool that, among other things, supports fraud prevention and financial security.

The Banking Association considers it important that customers’ assets and data are kept secure, and that the technological solutions supporting this are modern and effective.

Summary

The Estonian Banking Association’s Strategy 2026–2028 places supporting the development of society and the business environment at its core. The Banking Association is a reliable, growth-oriented partner that helps shape a strong and comprehensible financial environment in Estonia and supports the development of forward-looking banking.

Activities 2026-2027

Strengthen the Banking Association’s role as a key pillar of the economy, by fostering cooperation with various domestic and international parties in shaping a secure financial environment.

Focus area

Activities

Objective

Access to capital

1.     Through clear communication, we support the importance of a stable tax environment that treats capital equally, for economic development and growth in international competitiveness;

2.     We support the development of capital markets;

3.     We support the updating of capital requirements imposed on banks.

1.     A stable tax environment that favours and facilitates investment;

2.     Better opportunities for raising capital;

3.     Reviewed and updated capital requirements.

A clear legal environment

1.     We contribute to the reasonable transposition of European Union regulations and the simplification of guidelines;

2.     We cooperate with various authorities in reviewing and updating the banking secrecy framework, to ensure minimal use of data on clear, justified, and proportionate grounds.

1.     Reduce bureaucracy and duplication, and update regulations;

2.         A clear and unambiguous framework for different authorities’ access to banking secrecy, to ensure better protection of banking secrecy.

Promoting financial literacy and responsible lending

1.     We carry out awareness-raising activities, including a financial literacy month aimed at young people;

2.     We support the transparency and clarity of responsible lending requirements.

1.     Before entering adulthood, young people are able to be realistic about their own creditworthiness, to save and invest, and understand, for example, the significance of the annual percentage rate of charge in credit offers;

2.     Better legal clarity is ensured and there are fewer disputes between parties.

Fraud prevention and financial security

1.     We establish a cross-sector code of good practice and agree on measures for its implementation;

2.     We develop cross-sector cooperation, including with other organisations, government agencies, and telecommunications companies;

3.     We carry out awareness-raising activities to prevent fraud;

4.     We help develop a legal environment that enables more efficient and effective prevention and deterrence of fraud.

1.     Banks act in accordance with agreed practices and measures to help prevent fraud and increase the security of customers’ assets;

2.     More effective combating of fraud;

3.     Customers are more aware of how to recognise and prevent fraud;

4.     Clear and proportionate liability of the parties involved is defined by legislation.

Cybersecurity and innovation

1.     We contribute to promoting cybersecurity;

2.     Banks participate in testing innovative technologies, both in domestic initiatives and at the international level.

 

1.     Banks are aware in good time of the opportunities and security risks arising from new technologies;

2.     Ensure the continuity of banking services necessary for economic growth, even in exceptional circumstances.