From personal services to electronic services  

Technological advances have changed the way we handle our daily matters. Particularly online services via the Internet have reduced the need for personal banking services. When choosing a suitable form of service, you should first define your needs and possibilities: when and how you want to handle your matters and how much are you prepared to pay for these services. After that you should compare the various forms of services being provided. The service providers will help you in choosing the best form of services.

These pages include general information on, for example, the forms of services provided by various service providers and who may handle matters with the service provider on behalf of the customer. Special attention is paid to the use of online services and services contracts.

Using online services is safe when information security is up-to-date

Many people use online services every day, but the information security of online services is a matter that cannot be emphasised too much. These pages provide general information on the information security of online services and also a list of links to other information security guides available on the Internet. Particularly when starting to use an online service you should study the instructions given by the service provider, and it is also advisable to visit the service provider’s website subsequently, to check the latest instructions or to go through the instructions given earlier.

It is important to ensure the information security of your own computer. The computer must be protected against malware eg with a firewall and security software. The Internet browser and operating system should be kept up to date so that you are using the latest version.

Contracts

Financial services contracts – eg deposit, loan, insurance or asset management contracts – are usually standardised contracts, drawn up on a form, prepared in advance by the service provider.

As customer, you should make yourself familiar with the terms and conditions of the contract and possible ambiguities have to be clarified prior to signing of the contract. The contract and the related documents should be retained at least for the term of the contract.

Representation and handling of a death estate

You may not always be able to handle things yourself. In such a case, you can authorise someone to handle your banking, insurance or other matters. The agent must be issued a limited power of attorney.

When a person dies, his or her rights and obligations devolve to the death estate. Matters concerning the death estate are decided jointly by the parties to the estate or an administrator of the estate appointed by the court. The parties to the estate must agree between themselves the handling of the  death estate, for example who has the right to use the accounts of the deceased.

20 September 2012