22. notes that cross-border integration of EU retail f
inancial markets is less developed than in the wholesale area; notes that consumers still use physically present institutions more
than virtual ones, and notes a predominantly domestic-oriented financing structure; warns, however, against simply overhauling the national consumer protection traditions and legal systems by one-size-fits-all harmonisation; takes the view that national consumer protection traditions must not be interpreted in such a way that
new competitors are hindered ...[+++] on the domestic market; emphasises the need for a well-functioning internal market for financial services; notes the importance of intermediaries in bringing competition to Member States' domestic markets; stresses the benefits of open and pluralistic structures in the European banking market in meeting the different and evolving needs of consumers;