Financial domination - also known as findom, findomme or financial BDSM - is a power-exchange arrangement a submissive/slave consensually enters into with a dominant whose aim is to control them financially. In most cases, this kind of relationship does not involve sex as other power-exchange relationships do.
A financial dominant may humiliate, demean, or consensually blackmail their financial slave in exchange for money or gifts. The dom may also demand money or items they feel they deserve or even become the slave’s money manager.
A financial slave is sometimes called a "finsub," "money pig," "pay pig" or "financial slave." Extorting money or gifts through financial domination is referred to as "money slavery" or "wallet rape." Financial slaves become turned on by this kind of domination and may masturbate in their dom’s company, but only if they receive permission first. In general, though, paying tribute to the dominant is at the heart of the kink, and many finsubs don't want or expect anything in return.
In findom, the dominant dominates the financial slave emotionally, rather than physically as many doms do. In fact, many don’t even spend time in the same room as their slave. Instead, most financial dominants communicate with their slaves online via webcam, instant messaging, or email. Some financial dominants earn huge sums this way. This form of BDSM got a huge boost during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many in the community sought ways to enjoy forms of power play that did not require physical contact.
They may also exchange phone calls or test messages with their slaves. However, some doms and financial slaves do spend time together. For example, they may have a shopping date, where the slave spends money on the dom. A chore date, where the financial slave pays to perform acts of servitude, is another option.
Financial domination is believed to have been around since at least the 1990s. This form of domination thrived in the growth of online spaces that allowed a safe digital environment for these relationships.
A financial domination arrangement is most commonly seen between a male financial slave and a female dominatrix. However, people of any gender or sexual orientation can participate in financial domination.