Using a dual focus on the historical development of EC financial services law and current trends in this highly evolving sector, this important book masterfully reveals and delimits the legal aspects of payments within the European Union and analyses the different legislative approaches to harmonization in financial services. The author shows that, despite the inherent sensitivity of the financial services sector and the rapid technological developments, a centralized EC initiative for payment services has the potential to bring about tangible results in terms of consumer protection and further EC integration.