Bank Taxes in Forms and Sizes: EC Opts for FTT

Right now the implementation of some type of bank tax is a hot topic in the European Union, while globally the G 20 has shown a particular interest in this relatively new type of tax. The economic - mostly financial - crisis plays a major role in this development. This article will first discuss the general background of how a bank tax may be realized. Next, the draft Directive of the European Commission (EC) on implementing a type of bank tax, that is, a Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) will be considered.