Insättningsgarantisystem

Insättningsgarantisystem, or deposit guarantee systems, are designed to protect depositors' money held in banks and other financial institutions. These systems provide a safety net, ensuring that if a bank fails, account holders will receive a certain amount of their deposited funds back. The primary goal is to maintain public confidence in the financial system and prevent bank runs, which can destabilize the economy.

Each country or economic bloc typically has its own deposit guarantee scheme with specific rules and coverage limits. In the European Union, for example, the Deposit Guarantee Schemes Directive mandates a minimum coverage level of €100,000 per depositor per bank. This means that even if a bank goes bankrupt, depositors are guaranteed to get back up to this amount for their eligible deposits.

The funds for these guarantee systems are usually financed by contributions from the member financial institutions themselves. These contributions are often based on the amount of deposits they hold. The systems are managed by independent bodies, often regulatory authorities or specialized agencies, tasked with overseeing the operations, handling payouts in case of bank failures, and ensuring the solvency of the guarantee fund.

Eligibility for deposit protection typically covers standard deposit accounts such as checking accounts, savings accounts, and time deposits. Certain types of investments or complex financial products may not be covered. The specific details of what is covered and the payout procedures can vary significantly between different national systems, making it important for individuals to be aware of the regulations in their own country.