Icelandic banks face competition probe over rate comments

Iceland's Competition Authority will investigate possible competition law violations by commercial bank employees. This follows a Supreme Court ruling in the so-called Interest Rate Case.

The agency said public discussion about the ruling's potential impact on future interest rates raised concerns. Some bank staff and managers suggested the court decision might lead to higher rates.

Bank employees should never share information with competitors about planned rate changes. This applies to public statements, industry meetings, or any other communication.

Competition law prohibits any coordination between companies that restricts competition. Discussing expected price increases or sharing such information constitutes illegal coordination.

Companies need uncertainty about competitors' reactions to operate in healthy markets. They must find different ways to offer competitive prices and services. Knowing competitors' plans reduces incentives to compete and keep prices low.

Bank employees commenting on future rates creates obvious competition problems. It signals coordinated pricing approaches rather than independent decisions.

This case shows how financial sector statements can cross legal boundaries. Public discussions about pricing expectations often violate competition rules.