Is it? I use Android without Google account (with services though). No app forces account on me, there's always option to sign in through other platform or directly via email.
What apps? You can't use Google Play to download apps without an account.
[1]: https://privsec.dev/posts/android/banking-applications-compa...
Can one still assume one can install and operate those apps without Google Play?
[1]: https://github.com/PrivSec-dev/banking-apps-compat-report/is...
[2]: https://github.com/PrivSec-dev/banking-apps-compat-report/is...