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What's stopping banks from creating FOSS (or atleast open-source) banking solutions (apps)? (fost.hu)
submitted 2 years ago by to c/opensource@lemmy.ml
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cross-posted from: https://fost.hu/post/226135

Let's say, I create a bank with the caveat that all of my banking phone apps and webapps are FOSS (or if they depend on non-free components — banks probably do to communicate with each other —, then just OSS). Am I going to be behind the competition by doing this?

If the most secure crypto algorithms are the ones that are public, can we ensure the security of a bank's apps by publicizing it?

Are they not doing this because they secretly collect a lot of data (on top of your payment history because of the centralized nature of card payments) through these apps?

EDIT: Clarifying question: Is there a technical reason they don't publicize their code or is it just purely corporate greed and nothing else?

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[–] 8 points 2 years ago (1 child)

OP raises a good point, though. Why isn't there a standard banking API that all banks could use, against which applications could be written?

People don't choose banks because of the bank's app. Banks are also pretty sticky. Having a standard would allow banks to save money on application development. I just don't see what the value-add of proprietary banking APIs are for them. It doesn't seem like much of a differentiator.

I think there's a sort of standard in the EU; why doesn't the US have one?

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  • [–] 7 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    There are a bunch of APIs, actually. Plaid is a pretty popular one. The problem is getting the banks to implement them.

    But people definitely choose banks because of their apps. For example, my bank doesn't have any physical branches in my area, so I do everything through the website or app. Remote check deposit through my phone camera, for example.

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  • [–] 3 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    So, just so I understand: the app, not services, fees, rates, or other financial considerations was a significant factor in your choice of institutions?

    May I ask what generation you fall into?

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  • [–] 1 point 2 years ago (1 child)

    I started banking with them in 2011, I think, on recommendation from friends. I've continued to use them because of my satisfaction with the things you've mentioned as well as the services they make available through the site and app. (It's USAA, for reference).

    I am a millenial.

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  • [–] 1 point 2 years ago

    Word of mouth is priceless.

    I think it's interesting, and I wonder if it's a generational thing or if that'd be overgeneralizing. Or, you're so flush it doesn't matter to you. I'm Gen-X; while I can't speak for the rest of my generation, I was taught that, when it comes to entrusting me money with an institution, the most important things were the financial factors: fees, interest, loan services and terms, investment services.

    Did you do any comparison shopping based on financial considerations? Or is ease of use the most important factor? Do you feel that all banks are basically the same?

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