FinTS

FinTS, which stands for Financial Transaction Services, is a German banking protocol. It facilitates electronic communication between financial institutions and their customers. Originally developed by the German banking industry, FinTS allows for secure online banking transactions, account information retrieval, and other financial services. The protocol is based on the HBCI (Homebanking Computer Interface) standard.

FinTS operates using a client-server model. Banking software or web applications act as clients, connecting to the bank's servers. Security is a paramount concern, and FinTS employs various encryption methods, including PGP and TLS, to protect sensitive data during transmission. Authentication typically involves user IDs, passwords, and often hardware tokens or PIN/TAN procedures for transaction authorization.

The protocol supports a wide range of banking operations. Customers can check account balances, view transaction histories, initiate payments (like wire transfers and direct debits), and manage standing orders. It also allows for the exchange of various financial documents, such as account statements and tax reports. FinTS is primarily used in Germany but can also be found in some Austrian banks. Its development and maintenance are overseen by the German banking industry, ensuring its continued relevance and security for online financial services.