Warning Warning Savings protection The AMF warns the public against certain platforms proposing investments in real estate as "royalties"
Why this matters
This warning from the AMF targets platforms proposing investments in real estate as 'royalties', which could be misleading or fraudulent. This impacts investment managers, wealth managers, and fintech firms offering these types of products.
Warning Savings protection Miscellaneous assets Warning The AMF is warning the public against several companies proposing atypical investments without being authorised to do so
Why this matters
This warning from the AMF relates to companies offering unauthorized investment products, which poses risks to consumers and requires regulatory action.
Sanctions & settlements Journalists Investment management companies The AMF Enforcement Committee fines a portfolio asset management company for breaches of its professional obligations
AI Analysis
The AMF Enforcement Committee imposed a €150,000 fine on **Inocap Gestion**, a portfolio asset management company, for multiple operational and compliance failures between 2022 and the enforcement decision date. This case demonstrates the AMF's enforcement priorities around liquidity risk management, market abuse detection systems, and anti-money laundering (AML/CFT) procedures—critical control areas that asset managers must operationalize effectively to avoid substantial penalties.
Key dates
21 December 2022
- Enforcement Committee decision date against Inocap Gestion
No specific implementation deadline stated Deadline
- The decision addresses historical breaches; however, firms should immediately remediate similar deficiencies
Suggested considerations
assessments across these areas:
*Liquidity Risk Management: Review procedures for adequacy and operational effectiveness; ensure they address fund-specific liquidity profiles and stress scenarios
*Market Abuse Detection: Audit surveillance systems to confirm they specify participation conditions in market surveys and document consequences for violations
*AML/CFT Compliance: Enhance risk mapping to capture money laundering typologies; strengthen client onboarding procedures to verify beneficial owners and screen for PEPs
*Compliance Monitoring: Establish centralized processes for the compliance officer to aggregate and review market abuse information across all business lines
What changed
The decision does not introduce new regulatory requirements but rather clarifies enforcement expectations for existing obligations:
Liquidity Risk Management: Asset managers must establish procedures that are both adequate in design and operational in practice, not merely documented
Market Abuse Detection Systems: Surveillance systems must specify conditions for participation in market surveys and establish clear consequences for non-compliance
AML/CFT Procedures: Risk mapping and client onboarding procedures must be sufficiently detailed to identify and assess money laundering risks, including beneficial owner identification and...
Compliance Function: The compliance and internal control officer must actively centralize and monitor information on market abuse across the organization
Europe & international Savings protection Marie-Anne Barbat-Layani to chair ESMA's Investor Protection Standing Committee
Why this matters
This regulatory update announces the appointment of Marie-Anne Barbat-Layani as the chair of ESMA's Investor Protection Standing Committee, which is relevant for investment managers, wealth managers, and banks that provide investment services to retail clients.
This regulatory update from the AMF (Autorité des Marchés Financiers) is focused on the renewal of its consultative commissions, including the Climate and Sustainable Finance Commission.
Crypto-assets Innovation Digital assets: the AMF strengthens its policy on DASPs in relation to good repute and skills and promotional communications
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF strengthens its policy on digital asset service providers (DASPs) in relation to good repute, skills, and promotional communications.
Warning Savings protection Forex and binary options Crypto-assets Warning The AMF and the ACPR warn the public against the activities of several entities offering in France investments in Forex and in crypto-assets derivatives without being authorized to do so
Why this matters
The warning relates to unauthorized entities offering investments in Forex and crypto-asset derivatives in France, which poses risks to consumers and requires urgent action.
Innovation The AMF publishes its proposals for an open finance framework
AI Analysis
The Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), France's financial markets authority, has published proposals for an **open finance framework** via a public consultation, extending open banking principles to broader financial data sharing for enhanced innovation and competition. This matters for compliance professionals as it signals upcoming regulatory requirements for secure data access, APIs, and customer consent mechanisms, aligning with EU trends toward open finance while prioritizing consumer protection and market resilience. Firms must engage early to shape the final rules and prepare systems for compliance.
Key dates
2026 (H2)
- Expected finalization of AMF AI roadmap and tokenization consultation, influencing open finance APIs
January 14, 2026
- AMF publishes 2026 priorities, including open finance as part of innovation framework
June 30, 2026
- End of MiCA transitional period, relevant for crypto/open finance intersections
TBD (consultation period) Deadline
- Public consultation on open finance proposals; firms should check AMF site for exact submission deadline (typically 1-3 months post-publication)
Suggested considerations
Review and respond to consultation: Submit feedback on proposals via AMF portal (https://www.amf-france.org/en/news-publications/news/amf-publishes-its-proposals-open-finance-framework) to influence final rules.
Conduct gap analysis: Assess current APIs, data sharing capabilities, consent processes against proposed standards; integrate DORA compliance.
Update policies: Revise customer onboarding, data protection (GDPR alignment), and TPP accreditation processes.
Engage stakeholders: Participate in AMF's asset management tokenization consultation and AI use cases study for synergies.
Test systems: Pilot secure APIs for investment/insurance data sharing; prepare for cybersecurity inspections.
What changed
The publication outlines AMF's proposals for an open finance framework, building on open banking (e.g., PSD2) to include investments, insurance, and asset management data. Key elements include:
Mandatory API-based data sharing for account information and payment initiation, extended to non-banking products like securities and insurance.
Enhanced customer consent and control mechanisms, with granular permissions, revocation rights, and strong authentication.
Security and liability standards aligned with DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act), including incident reporting and resilience testing.
Governance structure with a centralized standards body, similar to open banking hubs in the UK or EU.
Compliance impact
Urgency: High – As a consultation, immediate engagement is critical to shape rules, but full implementation may not hit until 2027+. It matters due to alignment with AMF's 2026 priorities on innovation (AI, tokenization, MiCA) and resilience (DORA, cybersecurity), risking fines or supervisory actions for non-prepared firms amid EU harmonization push. Early movers gain competitive edge in data-driven services.
Long term investment Shares Collective investments Retail investors Journalists The AMF’s latest savings barometer finds that the French are a little less inclined to invest in the stock market
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF discusses trends in French retail investor behavior, particularly their inclination to invest in the stock market. This information is relevant for investment management firms, wealth managers, and broker-dealers that serve retail clients in France.
Governance Sustainable Finance Executive & other private individuals Journalists Listed companies and issuers Social and environmental responsibility, the focus of the AMF's 2022 report on corporate governance and executive compensation of listed companies
Why this matters
This regulatory update focuses on corporate governance and executive compensation, with a particular emphasis on social and environmental responsibility. It is relevant for banking, investment management, and wealth management firms, as they will need to consider these ESG and disclosure requirements in their...
Asset management The AMF is supplementing its policy on liquidity management tools
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF relates to liquidity management tools for asset managers and wealth managers, which are important for prudential requirements and operational resilience.
Warning Savings protection Warning The AMF warns the public about fraudulent offers to invest in the energy transition
Why this matters
This warning from the AMF is targeted at fraudulent investment offers related to the energy transition, which impacts firms across the banking, investment management, and wealth management sectors. It raises consumer protection and authorization/licensing concerns, as well as ESG/sustainability implications.
Asset management AMF modifies its policy to facilitate the implementation by asset management companies of the Delegated Regulation of the SFDR
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF modifies its policy to facilitate the implementation of the SFDR Delegated Regulation by asset management companies. This is relevant for investment management firms and relates to ESG/sustainability reporting and disclosure requirements.
Sustainable Finance Periodic & ongoing disclosures Executive & other private individuals Journalists Listed companies and issuers The AMF publishes two analyses of the information provided by listed companies under Taxonomy reporting and concerning the effects of...
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF (Autorité des Marchés Financiers) in France focuses on the information provided by listed companies under Taxonomy reporting and the effects of climate risk in financial statements.
Sanctions & settlements Investment advice Other professionals Journalists Investment services providers The AMF Enforcement Committee fines a financial investment advisor and its manager for breaches of their professional obligations
AI Analysis
The AMF Enforcement Committee sanctioned financial investment advisor DCT (formerly Didier Maurin Finance) and its manager Didier Maurin with a five-year ban from practicing and fines of €150,000 and €200,000 respectively for recommending unauthorized Samoan AIF shares to 64 clients and failing to identify/manage conflicts of interest, including lacking a conflicts register. This decision, upheld by the Conseil d'Etat on 9 September 2024, underscores AMF's strict enforcement of client-best-interest and conflicts obligations under French regulations. It matters as it provides binding guidance on due diligence for product marketing authorization and conflicts procedures, signaling heightened scrutiny on financial investment advisors (FIAs).
Key dates
11 April 2022
- AMF Enforcement Committee issues decision SAN-2022-04, imposing bans and fines
9 September 2024
- Conseil d'Etat judgment (no. 464877) dismisses appeal, upholds sanctions, and orders €1,500 costs each to AMF
Suggested considerations
Immediate review: Audit client portfolios for recommendations in unauthorized products (e.g., non-French AIFs); remediate via disclosures or unwind if needed.
Conflicts enhancement: Implement/maintain a conflicts of interest register; map, document, and mitigate all potential conflicts with operational procedures.
Policy updates: Revise investment recommendation processes to include pre-advice marketing authorization checks via AMF registers or legal confirmation.
Training: Mandatory staff training on FIA professional obligations, focusing on client diligence and unauthorized marketing risks.
Documentation: Ensure all advice is fully documented; prepare for AMF inspections with honest, diligent cooperation.
What changed
This is an enforcement action, not a regulatory change, but it clarifies and reinforces existing obligations for FIAs under AMF rules:
FIAs must verify marketing authorization of recommended products in France before advising clients; recommending unauthorized AIFs breaches competence, care, diligence, and client-best-interest...
FIAs require effective, operational procedures for identifying and managing conflicts of interest, including maintaining a conflicts register; failure to do so is a standalone breach.
No new rules...
Compliance impact
Urgency: Medium - Not critical as no new rules or deadlines, but medium due to upheld precedent reinforcing FIA duties amid AMF's pattern of FIA sanctions (e.g., bans/fines in 2022-2025 cases). Matters for FIAs lacking controls, as breaches lead to personal liability, business bans, and fines scaling with client harm; signals AMF educational enforcement focus, increasing inspection risks.
Appointment Institutional AMF activity Other professionals Executive & other private individuals Fintech Market Infrastructures Post-trade Infrastructures Professional investors Journalists Investment services...
Why this matters
This is an announcement of a new chair appointment at the French financial markets regulator, the AMF. It is informational in nature and does not require immediate action, hence the low urgency classification.
Markets Financial disclosures & corporate financing The Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) has requested the resumption of listing of ORPEA’s securities today
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF relates to the resumption of listing for securities of the company ORPEA, which is likely of interest to various financial firms including asset managers, broker-dealers, and banks.
Sustainable Finance Governance Financing the economy Other professionals Executive & other private individuals Fintech Market Infrastructures Professional investors Journalists Investment services providers ...
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF and ACPR focuses on monitoring and assessing the climate commitments of Paris financial center actors, which is relevant for a range of financial sectors including banking, investment management, and capital markets.
Markets Periodic & ongoing disclosures The AMF has requested the suspension of ORPEA's financial instruments
AI Analysis
On October 24, 2022, France's Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) suspended all financial instruments (shares, debt securities, and related instruments) issued by ORPEA S.A., a major European care homes operator, pending disclosure of material information under the European Market Abuse Regulation. This enforcement action reflects serious governance and disclosure failures at a publicly listed company facing allegations of operational malpractice and undisclosed financial difficulties.
Key dates
October 24, 2022
- AMF requests suspension of ORPEA's financial instruments before market opening
October 26, 2022
- Trading resumes upon market opening following ORPEA's disclosure of conciliation procedure and financial restructuring plan
- ORPEA to present detailed transformation plan to market
December 31, 2022
- Anticipated asset impairment recognition date
Suggested considerations
*For ORPEA (and comparable listed companies):
*Immediate disclosure obligations: Publish a Regulated Information Service (RIS) announcement under MAR Article 17 disclosing all material information regarding financial difficulties, covenant breaches, and restructuring plans before trading resumes.
*Ongoing periodic updates: Provide quarterly updates on conciliation procedure progress, covenant amendment status, and asset disposal program execution.
*Governance remediation: Establish or strengthen disclosure committees with clear protocols for identifying and escalating material information within 24-48 hours of discovery.
*Creditor communication: Maintain transparent dialogue with financial creditors regarding covenant amendments and restructuring timelines.
What changed
The AMF's suspension order represents a temporary halt to all trading in ORPEA's financial instruments across regulated markets.
Financial covenant breaches: The company faced potential acceleration of €3.3 billion in financing lines due to anticipated breaches of "R1" and "R2" financial covenants.
Asset impairments: Anticipated write-downs at December 31, 2022, related to a stalled real estate disposal program.
Debt restructuring needs: €4.3 billion in unsecured debt requiring conversion or restructuring.
This regulatory update from the AMF is informational in nature, announcing a request for candidates to join its consultative commissions. It is relevant for investment management firms, wealth managers, and the broader financial industry.
Long term investment Shares Executive & other private individuals Retail investors Fintech Market Infrastructures Post-trade Infrastructures Professional investors Journalists Investment services providers ...
Why this matters
This regulatory update discusses a significant drop in the number of active retail investors in the stock market, which could impact investment management firms, wealth managers, and broker-dealers that serve this client segment.
Financial disclosures & corporate financing Financial products Executive & other private individuals Professional investors Journalists Listed companies and issuers The AMF publishes a study on the share price performance of companies using dilutive...
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF focuses on the share price performance of companies using dilutive financing, which is relevant for capital markets, investment management, and wealth management firms.
Asset management The AMF updates its policy on management fees for collective investment undertakings (CIUs)
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF focuses on changes to management fees for collective investment undertakings, which is relevant for asset managers and wealth managers. The updates relate to consumer protection and disclosure requirements.
Governance Europe & international The AMF encourages French participants to provide feedback to ESMA’s call for evidence on the implementation of the Shareholders Rights Directive (SRD 2)
AI Analysis
The AMF publication urges French market participants to submit feedback to ESMA's call for evidence evaluating the implementation of the Shareholder Rights Directive II (SRD II), which aims to enhance long-term shareholder engagement, transparency in voting processes, and issuer-shareholder dialogue across the EU/EEA. This matters for compliance teams as it signals ongoing regulatory scrutiny of SRD II transposition and operational compliance, potentially leading to harmonized amendments that could require process updates in shareholder identification, voting transmission, and engagement disclosures. French firms' input can influence future EU rules, mitigating risks of non-compliance with evolving standards.
Key dates
June 10, 2019 Deadline
- EU Member States' transposition deadline for SRD II into national law (e.g., France via law of May 22, 2019)
September 3, 2020
- SRD II go-live date for operational requirements like shareholder identification and voting processes
October 3, 2022
- European Commission request to ESMA/EBA for SRD II input, contextualizing ESMA's ongoing review
Suggested considerations
Submit feedback to ESMA: French participants must review ESMA's call for evidence and provide input on SRD II implementation challenges, such as intermediary processes, data transmission, and cross-border voting (immediate action urged by AMF).
Review current compliance: Audit internal systems for SRD II adherence, including electronic formats (e.g., seev.008 messages, MT 260SRD mandates), vote confirmations, and engagement policy disclosures.
Enhance processes if needed: Align with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1212 for shareholder ID requests, meeting notifications, and voting (e.g., VOTACCESS adaptations for French market).
Monitor ESMA/EC outputs: Prepare for potential rule changes from the review, such as harmonized documentation or deadlines.
What changed
This AMF notice itself introduces no new regulatory changes; it promotes participation in ESMA's review of SRD II (Directive (EU) 2017/828), implemented via national laws by June 2019 and effective from September 3, 2020. SRD II's core requirements include: shareholder identification without delay, electronic/machine-readable transmission of voting and meeting information along the intermediary chain, confirmation of vote recording/counting, transparency on institutional investor and asset manager engagement policies/strategies, and extended scope to EEA-listed shares.
Compliance impact
Urgency: Medium - SRD II has been live since 2020, so core compliance is established, but ESMA's review could trigger targeted amendments (e.g., operational standardization), especially for French intermediaries handling cross-border flows. This matters for avoiding supervisory findings in ongoing AMF/ESMA exams, as non-participation in feedback risks unaddressed pain points becoming enforceable rules; proactive input now supports influence over final outcomes.
Supervision UCIT Asset management Journalists Investment management companies The AMF calls on investment fund depositaries to strengthen their arrangements for the onboarding and monitoring of asset management companies
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF (French financial regulator) calls on investment fund depositaries to strengthen their arrangements for onboarding and monitoring asset management companies.
Markets Executive & other private individuals Market Infrastructures Post-trade Infrastructures Professional investors Journalists Investment services providers Investment management companies Listed companies and issuers ...
Why this matters
This regulatory update is about the AMF awarding a prize for young researchers in economics, which is informational in nature and does not require immediate action from regulated firms.
Asset management The AMF updates its doctrine to facilitate the adoption of liquidity management tools
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF focuses on facilitating the adoption of liquidity management tools, which is relevant for investment managers, wealth managers, and banks that offer investment products.
Warning Miscellaneous assets Savings protection Warning The AMF is warning the public against several companies proposing atypical investments without being authorised to do so
Why this matters
This warning from the AMF relates to companies offering unauthorized investment products, which poses risks to consumers and requires regulatory action.
AMF activity AMF Chair: Proposal to appoint Marie-Anne Barbat-Layani
AI Analysis
This AMF publication announces a proposal to appoint Marie-Anne Barbat-Layani as Chair of the AMF, France's financial markets authority responsible for investor protection, market supervision, and regulatory enforcement. It matters for compliance professionals because leadership changes at key regulators like the AMF can signal shifts in enforcement priorities, supervisory focus, or policy directions affecting investment firms, asset managers, and market participants across the EU. While not imposing immediate rules, it warrants monitoring for potential impacts on ongoing consultations and governance expectations.
Suggested considerations
binding appointment proposal without compliance obligations. Recommended steps include:
Monitor AMF website (https://www.amf-france.org) for ratification confirmation and any inaugural statements on priorities.
Review existing AMF relationships and prepare for potential shifts in supervisory engagement.
No specific regulatory changes or new requirements are outlined in this publication, as it solely concerns a leadership appointment proposal rather than substantive rule amendments. The AMF's standard process for such proposals involves board review and government ratification, but no alterations to the General Regulation, policies, or compliance obligations are proposed here.
Compliance impact
Urgency: Low – This is a procedural leadership announcement with no immediate regulatory or operational impacts. It matters for long-term strategic planning, as the new Chair could influence AMF's approach to MiFID II implementation, sustainability integration, or enforcement, but firms face no urgent adjustments today.
Warning Savings protection Forex and binary options Crypto-assets Warning The AMF and the ACPR warn the public against the activities of several entities offering in France investments in Forex and in crypto-assets derivatives without being authorized to do so
Why this matters
The warning relates to unauthorized entities offering investments in Forex and crypto-asset derivatives in France, which poses risks to consumers and requires urgent action.
Crypto-assets Anti-money Laundering Supervision Journalists Investment services providers AMF and ACPR announce the withdrawal of BYKEPS SAS’s registration as a DASP
Why this matters
This regulatory update announces the withdrawal of BYKEPS SAS's registration as a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP), which is relevant for crypto and digital asset firms.
Equity Savings Plan Long term investment Savings protection Retail investors Journalists The AMF creates a working group on equity savings plans (PEAs)
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF (French financial markets regulator) announces the creation of a working group on equity savings plans (PEAs), which are long-term investment vehicles for retail investors.
Sustainable Finance AMF activity Journalists Call for candidates: renewal of the members of the Climate and Sustainable Finance Commission
Why this matters
This regulatory update is related to the renewal of the members of the Climate and Sustainable Finance Commission, which is relevant for banking, investment management, and wealth management firms that are subject to ESG and sustainability regulations.
Warning Savings protection Warning The AMF calls for vigilance against fraudulent sites usurping its name
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF warns about fraudulent websites impersonating the regulator, which poses risks to consumers and firms in the banking, investment management, and wealth management sectors.
Short selling Markets The AMF urges market participants to notify it of any anomalies found in net short position notifications
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF (Autorité des Marchés Financiers) is relevant for capital markets participants, particularly those involved in short selling and crypto-related activities.
Supervision Journalists Investment services providers The AMF publishes a summary of its SPOT inspections on simple, transparent and standardised securitisation
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF (Autorité des Marchés Financiers) relates to inspections on simple, transparent and standardised securitisation, which is relevant for banking, investment management and capital markets firms.
MIFID Sustainable Finance Asset management Sustainability requirements in the distribution of financial instruments: update on upcoming legislation and its implementation dates
Why this matters
This regulatory update is focused on upcoming sustainability requirements for the distribution of financial instruments, which will impact investment managers, wealth managers, and banks.
Investment services Savings protection Europe & international Retail investors Investment services providers The AMF informs the public of the partial suspension by the CySEC of VPR Safe Financial Group Limited’s authorisation to operate in France
AI Analysis
The AMF publication notifies the public of CySEC's August 3, 2022, decision to partially suspend VPR Safe Financial Group Limited's (operating as Alvexo) authorization to provide investment services in France, prompted by AMF findings of regulatory violations including misleading marketing, inadequate client suitability assessments, and poor tied agent oversight. This cross-border enforcement highlights escalating EU supervisory cooperation under MiFID II, serving as a warning for firms using tied agents in France. It matters for compliance as it underscores risks of AMF referrals leading to home-state suspensions, with subsequent developments including suspension revocation and full license withdrawal by September 2025.
Key dates
~October 4, 2022 Deadline
- Two-month deadline for VPR to remediate compliance issues (from suspension date)
August 3, 2022
- CySEC issues partial suspension decision based on AMF findings, effective immediately for French operations
September 29, 2025
- CySEC fully withdraws VPR's CIF authorization pursuant to the firm's renunciation
October 13, 2025
- CySEC publicly announces license withdrawal
Post Deadline
August 22, 2022 (exact date unspecified); - CySEC revokes partial suspension after demonstrated compliance
Suggested considerations
For VPR/Alvexo (during suspension): Cease all new client onboarding, advertising, and general deposits in France; complete pending transactions and return client funds/instruments; remediate tied agent oversight, marketing compliance, and suitability processes within two months.
Client protection: Existing French clients retain rights to close positions and withdraw funds without hindrance.
What changed
This is an enforcement action rather than new rules, imposing specific prohibitions on VPR Safe Financial Group Limited in France:
Ban on accepting new French clients or entering business relationships with them.
Prohibition on advertising or marketing investment services to current or potential French clients, directly or via tied agent France Safe Media.
Restriction on receiving new deposits from existing French clients, except to cover initial margins for open positions upon explicit client request.
These stem from suspected breaches of Cyprus'...
Compliance impact
Urgency: Low (as of January 2026). The 2022 suspension is historical, resolved via revocation and superseded by full license withdrawal in 2025, posing no ongoing restrictions. It matters as a precedent for AMF-CySEC coordination on retail misconduct (e.g., CFD marketing, tied agents), urging firms to prioritize MiFID II conduct rules to avoid similar escalations; prior €100,000 CySEC fine in 2021 adds pattern risk for repeat offenders.
MMF Asset management The AMF complies with the ESMA guidelines on updating stress test scenarios in accordance with Article 28 of the Money Market Fund Regulation
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF relates to compliance with ESMA guidelines on stress test scenarios for money market funds, which is relevant for investment management firms and prudential/capital requirements.
AMF activity Appointment Journalists End of the term of office of the AMF chairman and interim chairmanship
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF (Autorité des Marchés Financiers) relates to the end of the term of office of the AMF chairman and the interim chairmanship. This is relevant for banking, investment management, and capital markets firms that are regulated by the AMF.
Market infrastructures Post-trading infrastructures EMIR Common procedures and methodologies on supervisory review and evaluation process of CCPs under Article 21 of EMIR: the AMF complies with ESMA guidelines
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF relates to the supervisory review and evaluation process of central counterparty clearing houses (CCPs) under EMIR. It is relevant for banks, broker-dealers, and other firms involved in capital markets and post-trading infrastructure.
Asset management Savings protection Journalists The AMF is conducting a consultation on the end of life of private equity funds intended for retail investors
AI Analysis
The AMF is conducting a consultation on regulatory reforms governing the end-of-life management of retail private equity funds (FCPRs, FCPIs, and FIPs), with the objective of improving compliance with liquidation deadlines and enhancing investor protection through better information disclosure and operational safeguards. This initiative addresses systemic issues where fund managers have historically failed to respect contractual lifespan commitments, creating liquidity risks and investor communication failures.
Key dates
January 10, 2024
- Revised ELTIF Regulation came into application
June 13, 2024
- Enactment of Attractiveness Law No. 2024-537 (establishing 15-year maximum lock-up period)
November 12, 2024
- AMF decision approving amendments to General Regulation
December 5, 2024
- Effective date for new Article 422-120-16 (bank details collection requirement for newly established funds)
December 5, 2024
- Publication in Official Journal of the French Republic
Suggested considerations
*For All Retail Private Equity Fund Managers:
*Audit historical compliance with fund lifespan commitments over the preceding ten years to determine if warning requirements under Article 422-120-14-1 apply
*Update promotional materials to include required warnings if materiality thresholds are met (managing/having managed at least one other retail PE fund and at least three funds that reached end-of-life)
*Implement bank details collection for all funds established after December 5, 2024, incorporating requirements into subscription forms per Instruction DOC-2011-22
*Establish prior notification procedures for substantial changes to fund structure, investment strategy, or operations, with one-month advance notice to the AMF
What changed
The AMF has amended its General Regulation and policy framework to implement several substantive requirements:
Liquidation Compliance & Warnings
A new Article 422-120-14-1 requires management companies to include a warning in promotional materials if, over the ten years preceding fund authorization, the company failed to respect the lifespan of at least 50% of retail or professional private equity funds under its management.
Regulatory developments Europe & international Sustainable Finance Periodic & ongoing disclosures AMF's response to the International Sustainability Standards Board’s consultation on the exposure drafts on international sustainability disclosures
AI Analysis
The Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), France's financial markets regulator, issued a position paper on July 27, 2022, responding to the International Sustainability Standards Board's (ISSB) consultation on exposure drafts for international sustainability disclosure standards (IFRS S1 and S2). This matters for compliance professionals as it signals France's push for global-EU interoperability in ESG reporting, influencing how firms align ISSB "investor-focused" standards with Europe's double-materiality CSRD/ESRS framework to avoid dual reporting burdens. https://www.amf-france.org/en/news-publications/amfs-eu-positions/amf-response-issb-consultation-exposure-drafts-sustainability-disclosure-standards; https://www.amf-france.org/sites/institutionnel/files/private/2022-07/Position%20paper%20ISSB%20AMF%20-%20July%202022_0.pdf
Suggested considerations
Monitor and map standards: Conduct gap analyses between current disclosures, ESRS, and ISSB S1/S2, focusing on interoperability (e.g., climate metrics, Scope 3 GHG).
Engage in transitions: Participate in potential ISSB Transition Resource Group or jurisdictional groups; prepare for phased ISSB implementation if adopted locally.
Enhance reporting processes: Update materiality assessments for double-materiality, quantitative climate financial impacts, and ESG breadth; leverage AMF's 2025 study on listed firms for benchmarks.
Stakeholder dialogue: Respond to ongoing consultations (e.g., EFRAG until Sep 2025) and track ISSB agenda priorities.
What changed
This is not a new regulation but AMF's recommendations to ISSB, emphasizing:
Interoperability with EU standards: AMF urges alignment between ISSB's financial materiality approach and EFRAG's double-materiality (impact + financial) ESRS, including jurisdictional working groups...
Broad ESG coverage: Calls for sector-agnostic standards beyond climate (e.g., full ESG spectrum via collaboration with EFRAG/GRI).
Phased implementation: Suggests gradual rollout of detailed requirements (e.g., Appendix B in S2) and an ISSB "Transition Resource Group" like IASB's for IFRS 9/15/17 to aid implementation.
Double-materiality advocacy: Prefers standards addressing all stakeholders, not just investors.
No binding changes; ISSB issued final IFRS S1/S2 in June 2023.
Compliance impact
Urgency: Medium. This 2022 AMF response is historical but highly relevant amid 2025 EFRAG simplifications emphasizing ISSB interoperability, as EU firms juggle CSRD with global ISSB momentum (e.g., IFRS finals in 2023). Matters for avoiding reporting fragmentation, with risks of supervisory scrutiny on French listed firms; low immediate enforcement but builds toward mandatory convergence.
Regulatory developments Europe & international Sustainable Finance Periodic & ongoing disclosures AMF's response to the EFRAG consultation on the draft European sustainability reporting standards
AI Analysis
The AMF's position paper responds to EFRAG's 2022 public consultation on the first set of draft European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) under the CSRD, welcoming their ambition on ESG topics and double materiality while urging proportionality, international interoperability, materiality focus, and alignment with EU laws like SFDR. This matters for compliance professionals as it shapes final ESRS, influencing mandatory sustainability disclosures for EU firms and financial market participants from 2024 onward, with potential simplifications affecting reporting burdens. https://www.amf-france.org/en/news-publications/news/amfs-response-efrag-consultation-draft-european-sustainability-reporting-standards
Key dates
July 2022
- AMF submits response to EFRAG consultation on draft ESRS. https://www.amf-france.org/sites/institutionnel/files/private/2022-07/AMF%20appendix%20to%20position%20paper%20on%20EFRAG%20consultation%20July%202022.pdf
2024
- First CSRD application for FY 2024 reports (large public-interest entities). https://www.amf-france.org/sites/institutionnel/files/private/2022-07/AMF%20appendix%20to%20position%20paper%20on%20EFRAG%20consultation%20July%202022.pdf
2025
- ESRS adoption by European Commission (first set covering SFDR needs). https://www.amf-france.org/sites/institutionnel/files/private/2022-07/AMF%20appendix%20to%20position%20paper%20on%20EFRAG%20consultation%20July%202022.pdf
2025); - EC Delegated Act on simplified ESRS, subject to 2-month EU Parliament/Council scrutiny. https://www.efrag.org/en/news-and-calendar/news/efrag-provides-its-technical-advice-on-draft-simplified-esrs-to-the-european-commission
Suggested considerations
Monitor ESRS evolution: Track EFRAG/EC updates on final standards, focusing on AMF priorities like materiality guidance and ISSB mapping.
Align reporting systems: Map ESRS to SFDR/Taxonomy data; test proportionality phased rollouts (e.g., climate first).
Engage stakeholders: Participate in ongoing consultations (e.g., EFRAG connectivity); benchmark against ISSB for interoperability.
What changed
This is a consultation response, not a final rule, but AMF highlights these priorities for ESRS development:
International interoperability: Convergence with ISSB standards to avoid duplication and meet investor needs across jurisdictions.
Proportionality in disclosures: Gradual implementation, prioritizing climate standards, balancing stakeholder needs with issuer costs, and ensuring SFDR coverage.
Materiality focus: Enhanced guidance on materiality assessments, centering company-led analysis without presuming topics' materiality upfront.
EU consistency: Avoid duplicating info from SFDR, Taxonomy, and other regs; rely on existing concepts.
Compliance impact
Urgency: Medium - Historical (2022) input shapes binding ESRS already applying in 2024/2025, but ongoing simplifications (e.g., 2025 EC advice) offer relief on burdens; critical for FY2026+ prep amid interoperability push, yet not immediate mandates. Matters for reducing overload, ensuring SFDR compliance, and avoiding EU fines (up to 10M EUR under CSRD).
MiCA Crypto-assets Innovation Cooperation Europe & international Crypto-asset markets: Agreement reached on the European Crypto-Assets regulation (MiCA)
Why this matters
This regulatory update on the European Crypto-Assets regulation (MiCA) is highly relevant for crypto-asset firms and fintechs, as it covers key topics such as authorization and licensing requirements, as well as consumer protection measures.
Sanctions & settlements Compliance Journalists Investment services providers The AMF Enforcement Committee fines a depositary for breaches of its professional obligations
AI Analysis
The AMF Enforcement Committee fined RBC Investor Services Bank France SA (RBC ISBF) €500,000 plus a warning on 20 July 2022 (published 08 January 2026) for breaches as a UCITS and AIF depositary, including 25 confirmed failures in tiered intervention procedures for investment ratio overruns and deficient monitoring of 14 questionable cash flows over 45 months. This decision underscores AMF's strict enforcement of depositary duties under French regulations implementing UCITS/AIFMD, emphasizing robust controls for ratio compliance, cash flow verification, and documentation. It matters for compliance teams as it provides precedent on what constitutes "irregular and deficient" oversight, potentially increasing scrutiny and fines for similar lapses in depositary functions.
Key dates
20 July 2022
- AMF Enforcement Committee decision date imposing €500,000 fine and warning on RBC ISBF
08 January 2026
- Public news release/publication date of the decision
Suggested considerations
Review depositary controls: Audit tiered intervention procedures for ratio overruns; ensure unique tracking (even if not upheld here) and redundancy elimination in reporting.
Enhance cash flow monitoring: For all inflows/outflows, collect "precise and convincing" docs (e.g., ownership proofs for advances >5% capital); flag inconsistencies with fund docs/prospectus.
Conduct gap analysis: Sample historical flows (e.g., 45-month lookbacks) across AIFs/UCITS; test against AMF objections standards from this and similar cases (e.g., CACEIS).
Update policies/procedures: Document controls for legality checks on instructions; train staff on evidentiary thresholds to avoid "deficient monitoring" findings.
Appeal if applicable: Lodge appeal against decision (no deadline specified).
What changed
This is an enforcement decision, not a new regulation, but it clarifies and reinforces existing depositary obligations under French UCITS/AIFMD rules (e.g., Articles L. 214-7 et seq.
Ratio monitoring and intervention: Depositaries must implement tiered procedures for investment/asset composition ratio breaches (e.g., diversification limits); 25 of 28 alleged anomalies were upheld...
Cash flow oversight: Must identify significant/inconsistent flows, verify instructions against laws, fund rules, prospectuses, and ensure ownership thresholds (e.g., 5% capital holding for advances);...
Compliance impact
Urgency: Medium – Recent publication (08 January 2026) signals ongoing AMF focus on depositary failings amid H2O-related probes, but stems from 2022 events with no immediate deadlines. Matters because it sets precedents for fine quantum (€500k) on procedural lapses, reinforces liability for cash/ratio controls, and aligns with pattern of multi-million fines (e.g., CACEIS €3.5m), urging preemptive audits to mitigate enforcement risk.
Savings protection Cooperation Crypto-assets Fintech Journalists The AMF and the ARPP are stepping up their cooperation to promote clear and responsible advertising of financial products
Why this matters
This regulatory update focuses on the cooperation between the AMF and ARPP to promote clear and responsible advertising of financial products, including crypto-assets. This impacts banking, investment management, and crypto firms, with implications for consumer protection, licensing, and technology/cyber risks.
Bids Financial disclosures & corporate financing The AMF reviews the key issues raised by the Veolia-Suez public offer
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF discusses key issues raised by the Veolia-Suez public offer, which is relevant for banking, investment management, and capital markets firms that may be involved in or impacted by such corporate transactions.
Sanctions & settlements Journalists The AMF Enforcement Committee fines one natural person and five legal entities, including a management company, for failing to comply with several reporting obligations in relation to a concerted action carried out in the context of a takeover bid and, in the case of the...
AI Analysis
The AMF Enforcement Committee imposed fines on one natural person and five legal entities, including an investment management company, for failing to comply with multiple reporting obligations related to a concerted action during a partial takeover bid.[User Query]. This enforcement action underscores the AMF's strict enforcement of transparency rules in takeover scenarios, serving as a critical reminder for market participants to adhere to disclosure timelines to avoid significant financial penalties and reputational damage.
Key dates
Within 4 trading days
- Declaration of crossing major holding thresholds or intent to continue acquisitions (AMF Form DOC-2005-01)
Immediate (same day)
- Notification of concerted action agreements in takeover contexts
Within 10 trading days
- Detailed position reports post-crossing
Suggested considerations
Review and enhance internal procedures for monitoring share positions, identifying concerted actions, and automating AMF filings.
Train front-office and compliance teams on takeover bid disclosures, including documentation of coordination (e.g., emails, agreements).
Implement pre-trade alerts for threshold breaches and conduct periodic audits of historical filings.
For management companies: Ensure portfolio managers report potential concert with external parties promptly; update compliance manuals with case lessons.
What changed
This is not a regulatory change or new requirement but an enforcement decision highlighting existing obligations under French financial markets law, particularly those governing concerted actions...
Timely disclosure of positions and intentions when parties act in concert, as per AMF regulations on major holdings and takeover bids (e.g., Article L.
Reporting thresholds for share acquisitions or concerted behaviors that could influence control, typically triggered at 5% crossings or changes.
No new rules were introduced; the decision reiterates...
Compliance impact
Urgency: High - This matters due to the AMF Enforcement Committee's pattern of fining reporting failures (e.g., €1.89M in July 2025 for late disclosures, €1.7M in June 2025 for shareholder breaches), signaling intensified scrutiny on M&A transparency amid volatile markets. Non-compliance risks fines up to €100M or 10% of turnover, plus bans, directly impacting investor trust and operations; firms should prioritize gap assessments immediately.
Derivatives or structured products Journalists The AMF has published a study of the profile of participants and their positions in the Matif agricultural commodities derivatives market
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF (Autorité des Marchés Financiers) focuses on the profile of participants and their positions in the Matif agricultural commodities derivatives market.
Sanctions & settlements Journalists The AMF Enforcement Committee fines a portfolio asset management company for breaches of its professional obligations
AI Analysis
The AMF Enforcement Committee fined an unnamed portfolio asset management company €400,000 for multiple breaches of professional obligations, including non-operational investment/divestment procedures, inadequate conflict of interest management with group service providers, lack of transparency on distributor fee retrocessions, deficient client categorization, and weak AML/CFT due diligence. This enforcement action, mirroring recent similar cases against firms like Novaxia Investissement and Eternam, underscores the AMF's heightened scrutiny on operational robustness and transparency in asset management, serving as a critical reminder for firms to ensure procedures are fully implemented and documented to avoid personal liability for executives.
Key dates
9 September 2025
- AMF Enforcement Committee decision fining Eternam €400,000 (similar case on marketing, club deals, conflicts, valuation, AML/CFT)
10 December 2025
- AMF Enforcement Committee decision fining Novaxia Investissement €400,000 and director €100,000 (investment processes, group providers, distributor fees, client categorization, AML/CFT)
31 December 2025
- AMF Enforcement Committee decision fining M Capital Partners €200,000 and directors €70,000/€35,000 (investment systems, conflicts, AML/CFT)
Suggested considerations
Audit internal procedures: Immediately review investment/divestment, valuation, and allocation processes for operational status, completeness, traceability, and documentation of due diligence.
Enhance conflict and transparency controls: Implement/test effective conflicts of interest policies for group providers/distributors; update investor disclosures on fees/retrocessions with clear justifications.
Strengthen AML/CFT and client categorization: Validate risk mapping, procedures, and due diligence; ensure formalization of independent valuer work and external expert oversight.
Senior manager accountability: Conduct gap analysis attributing responsibilities; train executives on personal liability risks.
Mock AMF inspections: Simulate Enforcement Committee reviews, focusing on evidence of procedure adherence.
What changed
This is an enforcement decision rather than new legislation, but it reinforces and clarifies existing regulatory requirements under AMF professional obligations for portfolio asset managers (sociétés...
Investment/divestment processes must be fully operational, with traceability of compliance checks against fund policies and formalized due diligence before allocations.
Effective conflicts of interest policies are mandatory when using group service providers, with comprehensive, accurate investor disclosures on related remuneration.
Full transparency required on retrocessions of management fees to distributors, including justification of added value.
Robust client categorization and AML/CFT systems, including operational procedures, risk mapping, and adequate due diligence on fund assets/liabilities.
No explicit regulatory changes, but these...
Compliance impact
Urgency: High - Recent cluster of identical fines (€200k-€500k total per case) in late 2025 signals AMF's enforcement priority on operational deficiencies in asset management, with personal sanctions escalating risks for leadership. Firms with similar setups (group providers, AIFs/club deals) face imminent inspection risk; non-compliance could trigger fines, reputational damage, and appeals processes.
Supervision MAR Journalists Investment services providers Investment management companies Publication of the SPOT inspection campaign summary on market abuse prevention systems in asset management companies
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF (French financial markets authority) relates to the publication of a summary of their SPOT inspection campaign on market abuse prevention systems in asset management companies.
Risk and Trend Mapping Markets Europe & international Asset management Executive & other private individuals Journalists Investment services providers Investment management companies Listed companies and issuers The...
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF covers the 2022 Markets and Risk Outlook, which is likely to be informational in nature and cover trends and risks across investment management, capital markets, and asset management firms.
Supervision MIFID Journalists Investment services providers Investment management companies The AMF publishes a summary of its SPOT inspections on the theme of best execution in asset management companies
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF (French financial markets regulator) focuses on inspections of asset management companies regarding best execution practices, which is a key investor protection requirement under MiFID II.
AMF activity Appointment Journalists Grégoire Vuarlot is appointed coordinator of the ACPR and AMF Joint Unit starting 1st July 2022
Why this matters
This regulatory update announces the appointment of a new coordinator for the ACPR and AMF Joint Unit, which oversees banking, investment management, and wealth management firms. The appointment is informational in nature and does not indicate any immediate regulatory changes.
Innovation AMF activity Journalists Investment services providers Investment management companies Listed companies and issuers The AMF continues its data strategy with the release of short selling data to the public
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF relates to the release of short selling data to the public, which impacts capital markets and investment management firms. It also involves reporting and disclosure requirements for listed companies.
Crypto-assets Innovation Market infrastructures on blockchain technology: publication of the European Pilot Regime regulation
Why this matters
This regulatory update is focused on the publication of the European Pilot Regime regulation, which is relevant for crypto-asset and blockchain-based market infrastructure firms. It covers topics related to technology and authorization/licensing requirements for these types of firms.
Warning Savings protection Forex and binary options Crypto-assets Warning The AMF and the ACPR warn the public against the activities of several entities offering in France investments in Forex and in crypto-assets derivatives without being authorized to do so
Why this matters
This regulatory update warns the public against unauthorized entities offering investments in Forex and crypto-asset derivatives in France, which impacts banking, investment management, and crypto firms. It is a consumer protection and authorization issue of high urgency.
Warning Warning Savings protection Miscellaneous assets The AMF is warning the public against several companies proposing atypical investments without being authorised to do so
Why this matters
This warning from the AMF relates to companies offering unauthorized investment products, which poses risks to consumers and requires regulatory action.
Institutional AMF activity Appointment Journalists Appointments to the Legal Affairs Directorate and Enforcement Assistance Directorate of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers
AI Analysis
This AMF publication announces internal appointments to its **Legal Affairs Directorate** and **Enforcement Assistance Directorate**, signaling potential enhancements in legal oversight and enforcement capabilities within France's financial markets regulator. Compliance professionals should note this as it may indicate a renewed focus on rigorous enforcement of market rules, though it imposes no direct regulatory changes on firms.
Key dates
16 October 2023
- Appointment of Sébastien Raspiller as AMF Secretary General
13 February 2024
- Ministerial order partially renewing AMF Enforcement Committee
20 February 2024
- Publication of Enforcement Committee appointments
27 February 2024
- Composition published in Official Journal
Suggested considerations
*No specific actions are required for regulated firms, as this does not introduce obligations. Recommended monitoring steps for proactive compliance:
Review ongoing AMF interactions (e.g., inspections) for potential shifts in approach under new directorate leadership.
Update internal AMF contact lists with confirmed governance details from https://www.amf-france.org/en/amf/our-organisation/our-governance.
Track AMF news releases for enforcement trends at https://www.amf-france.org/en/news-publications/news-releases/amf-news-releases.
What changed
There are no regulatory changes, new requirements, or policy updates in this announcement. It solely details personnel appointments within AMF's internal structure, specifically leadership roles in directorates handling legal affairs (e.g., Maxence Delorme as head of Legal Affairs Directorate) and enforcement assistance (e.g., Amélie du Passage as head of Instruction and Enforcement Assistance Directorate). These directorates support AMF's core functions like investigations, inspections, and sanction proceedings, but the publication does not alter any rules applicable to regulated entities.
Compliance impact
Urgency: Low. This matters peripherally for firms anticipating AMF enforcement, as new leaders in Legal Affairs and Enforcement Assistance could signal stricter scrutiny or faster processing of cases, similar to past leadership transitions (e.g., Secretary General appointment in 2023). However, absent policy shifts, it does not demand immediate compliance adjustments; monitor for signals in AMF's 2026 priorities announced 14 January 2026.
Financial disclosures & corporate financing The AMF ensures compliance with major holding reporting obligations
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF (Autorité des Marchés Financiers) relates to compliance with major holding reporting obligations, which is relevant for firms in the banking, investment management, and capital markets sectors.
Annual report Savings protection Journalists Investment services providers Investment management companies Listed companies and issuers The ACPR and AMF Joint Unit for Insurance, Banking and Retail Investment publishes its 2021 annual report
Why this matters
This regulatory update covers the 2021 annual report from the joint unit of the French financial regulators ACPR and AMF, which oversees insurance, banking, and retail investment firms.
Crypto-assets Digital assets: the AMF updates its policy on DASPs
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF focuses on updating its policy on digital asset service providers (DASPs), which are firms operating in the crypto and digital assets space.
Asset management Assessing appropriateness and execution only in MiFID II: the AMF applies the ESMA guidelines
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF applies ESMA guidelines on assessing appropriateness and execution only under MiFID II, which is relevant for investment managers and broker-dealers in the capital markets sector. It relates to consumer protection and authorization/licensing requirements.
Europe & international Sustainable Finance Asset management The AMF reiterates its call for a European regulation of ESG data, ratings, and related services
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF calls for a European regulation of ESG data, ratings, and related services, which is relevant for investment managers, wealth managers, and banks involved in capital markets and trading activities related to ESG and sustainable finance.
Sanctions & settlements Other professionals Journalists The AMF Enforcement Committee fines a financial investment advisor and its manager for breaches of their professional obligations
AI Analysis
The AMF Enforcement Committee fined financial investment advisor Séquence 13 and its director Jean-Louis Lehmann €15,000 each and imposed a five-year ban from acting as financial investment advisors in its decision of 19 December 2023, due to failures in client disclosures, justifying remuneration, operating within regulatory limits, and managing conflicts of interest. This enforcement action underscores the AMF's strict enforcement of professional obligations for investment advisors, with personal liability for managers, serving as a deterrent against conduct breaches that harm client interests. Compliance teams should note this as part of a pattern of similar sanctions, emphasizing robust governance and documentation.
Key dates
19 December 2023
- AMF Enforcement Committee decision issued, imposing fines and five-year bans on Séquence 13 and Jean-Louis Lehmann
Suggested considerations
Review and enhance policies: Update procedures for remuneration disclosure, conflict identification/mitigation, and scope-of-activity limits; ensure all advice justifies value against fees.
Training programs: Mandate annual training for directors/managers on professional obligations, documentation, and inspection cooperation, as deficiencies led to personal liability.
Client file audits: Conduct gap analysis on existing client files for disclosure completeness, product suitability, and conflict records; remediate as needed.
Governance checks: Directors must verify firm compliance, implementing detection systems for misconduct (e.g., undocumented investments).
Mock inspections: Prepare for AMF inspections by simulating reviews, focusing on diligence and honesty.
What changed
This is an enforcement decision, not a new regulation, but it reinforces core professional obligations under AMF rules for financial investment advisors (Conseillers en Investissements Financiers,...
Client information on remuneration: Advisors must disclose any remuneration received for advice and justify service improvements relative to that pay.
Regulatory scope compliance: Firms must operate strictly within authorized activities, avoiding unauthorized product recommendations.
Conflict of interest management: Identify and mitigate conflicts to ensure client-best-interest advice.
Manager accountability: Breaches by the firm are attributable to its director, with personal sanctions possible.
These align with ongoing AMF expectations for honest, fair, professional conduct, as...
Compliance impact
Urgency: High - This decision highlights escalating AMF scrutiny on CIFs, with fines, bans, and personal accountability in multiple recent cases (2022-2025), signaling increased inspection risk and potential for director bans. It matters because failures in basic conduct rules lead to severe, long-term sanctions, disrupting operations and reputations; firms must prioritize immediate policy fortification amid AMF's 2026 priorities for resilient markets.
Supervision Asset management Journalists Investment services providers Investment management companies The AMF publishes a summary of its findings regarding the costs and fees of UCITS marketed to retail investors
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF focuses on the costs and fees of UCITS funds marketed to retail investors, which is relevant for asset managers and wealth managers that offer these products.
Asset management The AMF updates its policy on funds with high fees
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF focuses on funds with high fees, which impacts investment management and wealth management firms. It relates to consumer protection and disclosure requirements.
Warning Savings protection Forex and binary options Warning The AMF and the ACPR warn the public against unauthorised Forex trading offers from Omega Pro Ltd
Why this matters
This regulatory update warns the public against unauthorized Forex trading offers from Omega Pro Ltd, which falls under the banking, capital markets, and wealth management sectors. The key topics covered are consumer protection, authorization and licensing, and market abuse.
Annual report Institutional Other professionals Executive & other private individuals Fintech Market Infrastructures Post-trade Infrastructures Professional investors Journalists Investment services providers ...
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF covers their annual report and strategic plan, which is relevant for investment managers, broker-dealers, and fintech firms. The key topics include reporting and disclosure requirements, technology and cyber risks, as well as authorization and licensing for firms operating in the...
Sanctions & settlements Journalists The AMF Enforcement Committee fines a Dutch trading firm and three Dutch traders for price manipulation
AI Analysis
The AMF Enforcement Committee fined a Dutch trading firm and three Dutch traders for price manipulation on French markets, demonstrating the regulator's cross-border enforcement reach against market abuse. This case underscores AMF's aggressive stance on manipulative trading practices, serving as a deterrent for international firms and individuals active in EU-linked markets. Compliance teams should note it as evidence of heightened scrutiny on trading desks handling correlated instruments.
Suggested considerations
Enhance surveillance: Implement real-time monitoring for manipulative patterns, such as aggressive positioning in futures to influence cash bonds or closing prices (e.g., lowering prices via late-session sales).
Trader training: Mandatory annual programs on MAR prohibitions, emphasizing cross-instrument correlations and "artificial level" tests; document inconsistencies with desk strategies.
Internal controls: Review and audit trading strategies for deception risks; ensure post-trade analysis flags abnormal volume/price impacts.
Reporting: Strengthen breach reporting under AMF procedures (Articles 145-1 to 145-4); prepare for cross-border cooperation.
Compliance reviews: Conduct gap analyses against AMF Enforcement Committee rationales in similar cases (e.g., EcoR1 IPO manipulation).
What changed
This is an enforcement action, not a regulatory change; it reinforces existing prohibitions under the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR, Regulation (EU) No 596/2014) against price manipulation, including fixing prices at abnormal or artificial levels through deceptive trades. It aligns with prior AMF decisions, such as the €20 million fine on Morgan Stanley for similar OAT/OLO manipulations via futures positioning (decision dated 4 December 2019).
Compliance impact
Urgency: High – This signals AMF's expanding cross-jurisdictional enforcement (Dutch firm/traders), with fines on firms and individuals, amid proposed powers enhancements (e.g., penalty payments, communication on probes). Firms face personal accountability risks and market reputation damage; non-EU entities cannot assume immunity if impacting French markets. Immediate surveillance upgrades are essential pre-30 June 2026 MAR-aligned rules.
Asset management War in Ukraine: the AMF alerts asset management companies
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF (Autorité des Marchés Financiers) alerts asset management companies and wealth managers about the impact of the war in Ukraine. It is a warning related to consumer protection and operational resilience concerns for these types of firms.
Sanctions & settlements Investment advice Other professionals Executive & other private individuals Investment services providers The AMF Enforcement Committee fines a financial investment advisor and its manager for breaches of their professional obligations
AI Analysis
The AMF Enforcement Committee fined a financial investment advisor (FIA) firm and its manager for multiple breaches of professional obligations, including failure to provide mandatory documents, inadequate risk disclosure, poor KYC practices, misleading information, unauthorized placing activities, and improper third-party marketing mandates. This enforcement action underscores the AMF's strict scrutiny of FIAs, emphasizing due care, conflict management, and adherence to status limits, with fines and bans serving as deterrents. Compliance teams should review it for lessons on documentation, client suitability, and outsourcing controls to avoid similar sanctions.
Key dates
24 January 2019
AMF Enforcement Committee decision fining Novactifs Patrimoine €250,000 and CEO €100,000 for breaches from March 2014–July 2016
11 April 2022
AMF Enforcement Committee decision imposing 5-year bans and fines (€150,000 firm, €200,000 manager) on DCT/Didier Maurin Finance; appeal dismissed by Conseil d'Etat on 9 September 2024
4 November 2024
AMF fines totaling €5,670,000 on FIA Smart Tréso Conseil, asset managers, and CACEIS Bank for fund marketing/management breaches
5 November 2025
AMF Enforcement Committee decision fining Carat GP and directors €2.5 million total, with permanent/10-year bans (French release: 6 November 2025)
Suggested considerations
Conduct Documentation Audit: Verify all client interactions include mandatory forms (e.g., initial contact, engagement letter, suitability reports) and explicit risk/remuneration disclosures.
Enhance KYC and Suitability Processes: Implement robust know-your-customer checks and product authorization verification before recommendations, especially for non-EU funds or unlisted securities.
Strengthen Conflicts Framework: Maintain a conflicts register, identify/mitigate incentives from issuers, and document procedures.
Review Activity Scope: Confirm no unauthorized placing or marketing beyond FIA status; limit third-party mandates to natural persons and accredited products.
Training and Monitoring: Train managers on personal liability; perform gap analysis against AMF decisions and update policies accordingly.
What changed
This is an enforcement decision, not a regulatory change, but it reinforces and clarifies existing FIA obligations under French regulations (e.g., AMF General Regulation).
Mandatory delivery of initial contact documents, engagement letters, and written reports to clients.
Clear specification of remuneration terms and comprehensive risk information for recommended products.
Thorough KYC to ensure suitability of advice.
Prohibition on misleading information, such as incorrect guarantor details or omission of issuer financial weaknesses.
Compliance impact
Urgency: Medium. This matters as part of a pattern of escalating AMF enforcement against FIAs (fines up to €2.5M, lifetime bans in recent cases), signaling heightened focus on investor protection and governance amid complex products. Firms should prioritize audits now to preempt inspections, but no immediate deadlines apply. Non-compliance risks personal sanctions on executives, reputational damage, and business bans, particularly for smaller advisory firms.
Asset management Regulatory developments Other professionals Journalists Investment services providers Investment management companies The AMF launches a consultation on the integration of sustainability requirements into its General Regulation
AI Analysis
The AMF has launched a public consultation to integrate sustainability requirements into its General Regulation, aiming to embed ESG considerations directly into core operational rules for regulated entities. This matters for compliance professionals as it signals a shift toward mandatory sustainability integration across asset management and investment services, aligning with EU frameworks like SFDR and CSRD, and potentially increasing reporting and risk management obligations.
Key dates
21 November 2024
- Application date for ESMA Guidelines on ESG fund names (new funds)
30 December 2024
- AMF ESG Doctrine updated to comply with ESMA Guidelines
21 May 2025
- Application date for ESMA Guidelines on ESG fund names (existing funds)
January 13, 2026
- Referenced date for public consultation on General Regulation changes (exact consultation close date not specified in available data)
30 June 2026
- General Regulation of the AMF enters into force, including sustainability risk integration
Suggested considerations
Participate in consultation: Submit feedback on proposed sustainability integrations via AMF channels to influence final rules.
Review and update policies: Conduct gap analysis against new sustainability risk requirements in General Regulation; integrate into governance, risk management, and investment processes ahead of 30 June 2026.
Fund name compliance: For ESG-named funds, ensure 80% investments meet criteria, apply exclusions, and update marketing materials per AMF ESG Doctrine and ESMA Guidelines (immediate for new funds, by May 2025 for existing).
Enhance reporting: Prepare double materiality assessments, digital xHTML filings for CSRD/ESRS, and SFDR-aligned disclosures; update client onboarding for sustainability preferences.
Monitor EU developments: Track SFDR revisions, Taxonomy extensions, and ESMA digital taxonomy consultations.
What changed
- Integration of sustainability risks: The updated General Regulation requires asset management companies to explicitly take sustainability risks into account when complying with existing...
Alignment with EU sustainability frameworks: Builds on SFDR revisions by advocating for minimum environmental criteria in Article 8/9 products, simplification of rules, and support for CSRD...
Anti-greenwashing measures: Complements recent AMF ESG Doctrine updates (effective 30 December 2024), enforcing ESMA Guidelines on fund names with ESG terms, such as 80% quantitative thresholds for...
Compliance impact
Urgency: High - While the General Regulation effective date is 30 June 2026, related ESG rules (e.g., fund names) are already applicable, and consultation input is time-sensitive. This matters due to escalating EU sustainable finance enforcement, greenwashing risks, and operational overhauls required for investor protection and reporting accuracy, with non-compliance exposing firms to supervisory actions.
Appointment AMF activity Other professionals Executive & other private individuals Market Infrastructures Post-trade Infrastructures Professional investors Journalists Investment services providers Investment management...
Why this matters
This regulatory update announces appointments within the French financial regulator AMF, which is relevant for investment management firms, wealth managers, and banks operating in the French market.
Marketing Investing wisely Retail investors Journalists The ACPR and AMF are urging professionals to improve their practices in online marketing of savings products and financial instruments
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the ACPR and AMF in France is focused on improving practices in the online marketing of savings products and financial instruments, which impacts a range of financial services firms that offer these products to retail investors.
Mediation Annual report Retail investors Journalists The AMF Ombudsman publishes her 2021 Annual Report
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF Ombudsman covers the 2021 annual report, which is likely to be of interest to investment managers, wealth managers, and banks that serve retail investors.
Market infrastructures Post-trading infrastructures Review of the central clearing framework in the EU: the AMF publishes a position paper
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF discusses a review of the central clearing framework in the EU, which is relevant for banks, broker-dealers, and asset managers involved in capital markets and trading activities.
Sanctions & settlements Journalists The AMF Enforcement Committee fines a financial investment advisor and its manager for breaches of their professional obligations
AI Analysis
The AMF Enforcement Committee imposed significant sanctions on DCT (formerly Didier Maurin Finance) and its manager Didier Maurin for recommending unauthorized alternative investment funds to clients and obstructing regulatory investigations. This case exemplifies critical compliance failures in product authorization verification and client suitability assessment, with enforcement upheld by France's highest administrative court in September 2024.
Key dates
11 April 2022
- AMF Enforcement Committee issued original decision imposing five-year ban and fines
18 July 2022
- Conseil d'État suspended enforcement of fines pending appeal
9 September 2024
- Conseil d'État dismissed appeal, upholding all sanctions and ordering payment of €1,500 each to AMF
Suggested considerations
*Immediate compliance measures for financial investment advisors:
*Product Authorization Audit: Conduct comprehensive review of all recommended products to confirm authorization for marketing in France; document authorization status for each product in client files.
*Pre-Recommendation Due Diligence: Establish mandatory procedures requiring verification of product authorization before any client recommendation; implement checklist systems for compliance documentation.
*Client Suitability Documentation: Maintain written suitability reports for all recommendations, including product features, risks, and alignment with client profiles and objectives.
*Regulatory Cooperation Protocol: Establish procedures ensuring prompt, complete responses to AMF information requests; designate compliance officer responsible for regulatory liaison.
What changed
This enforcement action clarifies several regulatory obligations for financial investment advisors:
Product Authorization Verification: Financial advisors must verify that recommended investment products are authorized for marketing in France before advising clients, regardless of the product's...
Client Interest Prioritization: Recommending unauthorized products is inherently contrary to client interests and constitutes a breach of the duty to act with competence, care, and diligence.
Cooperation with Regulators: Advisors must provide documents and information requested during regulatory investigations; refusal constitutes a separate breach of diligence and loyalty obligations.
Supervision Fixed income Journalists Investment services providers The AMF publishes a summary of its SPOT inspections on post-trade transparency in the bond market
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF focuses on post-trade transparency in the bond market, which is relevant for banking and capital markets firms. The topics covered include reporting and disclosure requirements as well as market abuse and surveillance, which are important compliance areas for broker-dealers and...
Asset management The AMF updates its policy on portfolio asset management company control systems and programmes of operations
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF focuses on portfolio asset management company control systems and programmes of operations, which is relevant for investment management and wealth management firms. It covers operational resilience and authorization/licensing requirements.
Appointment Journalists Investment management companies The AMF announces the appointment of Jessica Reyes as Director of the Asset Management Regulation Division
Why this matters
This is an announcement of a new director appointment at the French financial regulator AMF, which oversees investment management firms and wealth managers. The appointment is relevant for those sectors and topics related to authorization and governance.
Anti-money Laundering Asset management The AMF and TRACFIN sign a new cooperation protocol
Why this matters
This regulatory update is relevant for asset managers, banks, and wealth managers as it involves a new cooperation protocol between the AMF (French financial markets regulator) and TRACFIN (the French anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing intelligence unit).
Sanctions & settlements Journalists The AMF Enforcement Committee fines a biotech company for failing to disclose inside information as soon as possible, and one of its co-founders and one of its shareholders for unlawful disclosure or use of inside information
AI Analysis
The AMF Enforcement Committee sanctioned a biotech company for delaying disclosure of inside information, and fined a co-founder and shareholder for unlawfully disclosing or using it, violating EU Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) obligations under Articles 7, 10, and 17. This case underscores the AMF's strict enforcement of timely public disclosure and insider handling, highlighting risks of personal liability for executives and shareholders in listed biotech firms. Compliance teams must prioritize robust information barrier procedures and insider list management to mitigate similar penalties.
Key dates
As soon as possible
- Disclose inside information publicly, or immediately if confidentiality breached during delay
Immediately after publication
- Notify AMF (differepublication@amf-france.org) of any delayed inside information post-publication
Within 3 trading days
- Managers/directors report securities transactions to issuer and AMF
Within 10 business days
- Custodians respond to Euroclear France/AMF requests for shareholder identity disclosures
Suggested considerations
Assess information promptly: Determine inside information status per MAR Article 7 (precise, price-significant) and disclose via approved channels (e.g., electronic dissemination per Article 221-3 AMF GR).
Implement controls: Establish information barriers, restrict access, and notify affected persons of rules/penalties (AMF GR Articles 223-27, 223-30).
Maintain insider lists: Create/update lists for each inside information item, ensure insiders acknowledge MAR duties (no use/dissemination), and monitor changes.
Train personnel: Educate executives/shareholders on disclosure prohibitions and PDMR reporting.
Archive disclosures: Post regulated info on company website immediately and ensure AMF/DILA transmission.
What changed
This enforcement action does not introduce new regulations but reinforces existing MAR requirements transposed into AMF General Regulation (e.g., Article 315-1), including:
Immediate public disclosure: Issuers must disclose inside information "as soon as possible" under MAR Article 17, unless three conditions for delay are met (legitimate interest, confidentiality...
Prohibition on unlawful disclosure/use: Persons with inside information cannot disclose it except per MAR Article 10 (after informing compliance officer); investment firms must maintain "information...
Insider list obligations: Companies must create, update, and notify insiders of their duties (e.g., no trading or dissemination), with accurate details; failure leads to penalties as seen in related...
Compliance impact
Urgency: High - This demonstrates AMF's willingness to impose personal and corporate fines for disclosure failures, particularly in volatile sectors like biotech where trial data qualifies as inside information. Firms risk market disruption, reputational damage, and escalating penalties (e.g., hundreds of thousands of euros in similar 2023 cases); immediate review of insider protocols is essential given ongoing MAR enforcement trends.
Warning Savings protection Forex and binary options Crypto-assets Warning The AMF and the ACPR warn the public against the activities of several entities offering in France investments in Forex and in crypto-assets derivatives without being authorized to do so
Why this matters
The warning relates to unauthorized entities offering investments in Forex and crypto-asset derivatives in France, which poses risks to consumers and requires urgent action.
Warning Savings protection Warning The AMF warns the public against fraudulent offers to buy listed shares at preferential prices
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF warns the public against fraudulent offers to buy listed shares at preferential prices, which is relevant for banking, investment management, and capital markets firms that may be targeted by such scams.
Warning Savings protection Atypical products Warning The AMF is warning the public against several companies proposing atypical investments without being authorised to do so
Why this matters
This warning from the AMF relates to companies offering atypical investments without proper authorization, which poses risks to consumers and requires urgent attention from relevant financial firms.
Savings protection EBA, ESMA and EIOPA warn consumers on the risks of crypto-assets
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the European supervisory authorities (EBA, ESMA, EIOPA) warns consumers about the risks of crypto-assets, which is relevant for banking, crypto, and consumer credit firms.
Market infrastructures Order Retail investors Market Infrastructures Journalists AMF publishes an analysis of retail investor order execution on French stocks
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF (French financial markets regulator) analyzes the order execution of retail investors on French stocks. This is relevant for capital markets participants, investment managers, and wealth managers who handle retail investor orders.
MMF The AMF publishes a stock-take analysis of the market for short-term debt instruments in Europe
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF provides an analysis of the short-term debt instrument market in Europe, which is relevant for banking, investment management, and capital markets firms.
Appointment AMF activity Other professionals Executive & other private individuals Fintech Market Infrastructures Post-trade Infrastructures Professional investors Journalists Investment services providers ...
Why this matters
This regulatory update announces the appointment of a new Head of the Strategy and Sustainable Finance Unit at the AMF, which is relevant for investment management firms, banks, and fintechs operating in the capital markets and sustainable finance space.
Sanctions & settlements Executive & other private individuals Journalists Listed companies and issuers The AMF Enforcement Committee sanctions a media company and its director for making investment recommendations without mentioning conflicts of interest and for price manipulation
AI Analysis
The AMF Enforcement Committee sanctioned a media company and its director for issuing investment recommendations without disclosing conflicts of interest and engaging in price manipulation, highlighting the regulator's strict enforcement against market abuse and transparency failures. This case underscores the AMF's focus on protecting investors from misleading practices by non-traditional actors like media outlets, with penalties serving as a deterrent amid rising digital fraud. Compliance teams must prioritize conflict disclosures and surveillance to avoid similar actions, as it reinforces ongoing AMF priorities in conduct and market integrity.
Suggested considerations
Conduct conflict of interest audits: Review all investment recommendations, publications, and marketing materials for undisclosed conflicts; implement mandatory disclosure templates.
Enhance surveillance for market abuse: Deploy monitoring tools for price manipulation indicators, such as unusual trading post-recommendation, and train staff on MAR prohibitions.
Update compliance policies: For media/financial firms, mandate pre-publication reviews of recommendations; directors must personally attest to compliance.
Training programs: Roll out firm-wide training on professional obligations, including clear information provision and acting in client best interests, especially for journalists/influencers.
Inducement reviews: If paying/receiving fees tied to recommendations, demonstrate they improve client service quality via audits and reporting.
What changed
This enforcement decision does not introduce new regulations but reaffirms and clarifies existing requirements under AMF rules and EU Market Abuse Regulation (MAR):
Mandatory conflict of interest disclosure: Investment recommendations must explicitly mention any conflicts, such as financial stakes or relationships influencing the advice, to ensure clear,...
Prohibition on price manipulation: Practices artificially influencing security prices, including through coordinated recommendations, are strictly banned, with liability extending to directors.
These...
Compliance impact
Urgency: High - This matters due to the AMF's escalating enforcement (e.g., record 12 sanction decisions in 2024 affecting 60 entities, €26.5M fines), targeting non-authorized actors like media amid digital fraud surges (181 sites shut down in 2024). Media and advisory firms face director-level liability and bans, amplifying personal risk; immediate policy gaps could trigger investigations, especially with AMF's focus on investor protection and market integrity in 2025-2026.
Asset management Consequences of the Ukrainian crisis: the AMF alerts asset management companies
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF (French financial markets regulator) alerts asset management companies about the consequences of the Ukrainian crisis. It covers prudential and operational resilience issues, as well as consumer protection concerns, which are highly relevant for asset managers, banks, and wealth...
Asset management A liquidator of the funds previously managed by "Nestadio Capital" has been appointed at the request of the AMF
Why this matters
This regulatory update announces the appointment of a liquidator for funds previously managed by Nestadio Capital, at the request of the French financial regulator AMF.
Short selling Equity Financial Crisis Executive & other private individuals Market Infrastructures Post-trade Infrastructures Professional investors Journalists French and Dutch market authorities publish a joint analysis of the...
Why this matters
This regulatory update discusses the impact of short selling bans during the COVID-19 crisis, which is relevant for capital markets, investment management, and wealth management firms. It covers market abuse, reporting, and operational resilience topics.
Asset management Savings protection Journalists Investment management companies The AMF announces the creation of a working group on the end-of-life of private equity funds
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF announces the creation of a working group on the end-of-life of private equity funds, which is relevant for investment management firms and wealth managers that offer private equity funds to their clients.
Sanctions & settlements Journalists The AMF to call for an amendment of the law on obstructing investigations and inspections
AI Analysis
The AMF announced its intention to propose legislative amendments to the French Monetary and Financial Code following a January 28, 2022 Constitutional Council decision that found dual prosecution for obstructing AMF investigations and inspections unconstitutional. The amendment aims to eliminate the possibility of simultaneous administrative and criminal penalties for the same obstruction conduct, while preserving the AMF's enforcement authority.
Key dates
January 28, 2022
- Constitutional Council decision declaring dual prosecution unconstitutional
Current status (as of January 2026)
- Amendments appear to be in legislative proposal stage; no effective date yet announced
No specific implementation deadline stated Deadline
- AMF committed to proposing amendments "as soon as possible"
Suggested considerations
*For compliance professionals and regulated entities:
*Review cooperation policies: Ensure internal procedures for responding to AMF investigation and inspection requests comply with current legal requirements and anticipated amendments.
*Monitor legislative developments: Track publication of proposed amendments in the French legislative process to understand final scope of changes.
*Counsel on cooperation: Advise business units that obstruction remains sanctionable; the amendment eliminates dual penalties, not the underlying obligation to cooperate.
*Document compliance: Maintain records demonstrating good-faith cooperation with AMF requests to support defense against obstruction allegations.
What changed
The primary regulatory change addresses a constitutional violation regarding dual prosecution under the ne bis in idem principle:
Current problem: The Monetary and Financial Code previously allowed both administrative sanctions by the AMF Enforcement Committee and criminal prosecution for identical obstruction conduct,...
Proposed solution: Legislative amendments will eliminate the possibility of dual prosecution while maintaining the AMF's ability to sanction obstruction of investigations and inspections.
Scope of obstruction conduct: The law covers refusal to allow access to documents, provide copies, communicate information, respond to summons, or grant access to professional premises during AMF...
AMF activity Focus on inDECx: the new tool to be used when interacting with the AMF during an inspection or investigation
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF introduces a new tool called inDECx that firms will need to use when interacting with the AMF during inspections or investigations. This is relevant for investment managers, broker-dealers, and crypto exchanges as they may be subject to AMF oversight and inspections.
Europe & international Sustainable Finance Asset management The AMF invites providers, users and rated entities to respond to ESMA's Call for evidence on the ESG rating market in Europe
AI Analysis
The AMF is urging French stakeholders—ESG rating providers, users, and rated entities—to respond to ESMA's 2022 Call for Evidence on the EU ESG rating market to inform European Commission efforts on improving transparency and reliability. This matters as it contributes to the foundational data driving the ESG Ratings Regulation (EU 2024/3005), which imposes authorization, disclosure, and conflict-of-interest rules on providers, affecting sustainable finance compliance across the EU. With the regulation applying from 2 July 2026, early engagement helps shape final rules amid ongoing ESMA consultations on technical standards.
Suggested considerations
For Users and Rated Entities: Although the 2022 Call for Evidence is closed, monitor ESMA's ongoing RTS consultations (closed 20 June 2025) and Commission feedback; assess internal ESG data reliance for SFDR/Taxonomy alignment and update policies for new disclosure requirements.
All Affected Firms: Map ESG rating dependencies in investment processes, train compliance teams on upcoming rules, and engage in industry feedback to influence final RTS adoption expected post-Q4 2025.
AMF Stakeholders: Although dated, the notice encouraged French market input; now pivot to compliance readiness for 2026 application.
What changed
This AMF notice itself introduces no new regulatory changes; it promotes responses to ESMA's 2022 Call for Evidence, which gathered market insights to support the European Commission's July 2021 sustainable finance strategy. However, it highlights the push for a European framework on ESG ratings, including transparency on methodologies, conflict-of-interest management, internal controls, and dialogue with rated companies—elements now codified in the ESG Ratings Regulation effective 2 January 2025 (application from 2 July 2026).
Compliance impact
Urgency: High – The 2022 Call for Evidence is historical, but it feeds into the ESG Ratings Regulation now in force (since 2 January 2025), with application looming on 2 July 2026—less than 6 months away as of January 2026. Firms face authorization risks, operational overhauls for conflicts/disclosures, and potential market disruptions if unprepared; non-compliance could halt EU operations or trigger greenwashing probes under SFDR, amplifying sustainable finance scrutiny.
Financial disclosures & corporate financing Covid-19 Closing of the 2021 financial statements: the AMF publishes its recommendations and the results of its recent work examining financial statements
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF (French financial markets authority) provides recommendations and results related to the closing of 2021 financial statements. It covers topics relevant to banking, investment management, and capital markets firms, including reporting, ESG, and prudential requirements.
Asset management Prospectus Journalists Investment services providers Investment management companies The AMF proposes measures to promote a wider adoption of liquidity management tools by fund managers
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF proposes measures to promote wider adoption of liquidity management tools by fund managers, which impacts investment management firms and capital markets. The measures relate to prudential requirements and consumer protection.
Market infrastructures Benchmark Benchmarks: the AMF will apply ESMA Guidelines
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF relates to the application of ESMA Guidelines on benchmarks, which impacts banking, capital markets, and investment management firms that use or administer benchmarks. It covers reporting, operational resilience, and licensing requirements.
Market infrastructures Post-trading infrastructures Settlement fails reporting: the AMF complies with ESMA guidelines
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF relates to settlement fails reporting, which is relevant for capital markets participants such as banks and broker-dealers. It also involves operational resilience and reporting requirements, which are general topics applicable across the financial services industry.
Financial disclosures & corporate financing Executive & other private individuals Journalists Listed companies and issuers Takeover listed companies The AMF proposes targeted measures to make financial markets more attractive for companies
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF proposes measures to make financial markets more attractive for companies, which impacts banking, capital markets, and investment management firms.
Asset management Collective investments The AMF updates its policy on the marketing communications of collective investments
Why this matters
This update from the AMF relates to the marketing communications of collective investment schemes, which impacts asset managers and wealth managers. It touches on consumer protection and authorization/licensing requirements.
Crypto-assets Innovation Market infrastructures New step forward in the adoption of the regulation on a Pilot Regime for market infrastructures based on the blockchain technology
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF relates to the adoption of a new regulation on a Pilot Regime for market infrastructures based on blockchain technology. This is relevant for crypto and digital asset firms as well as capital markets participants that may leverage blockchain technology.
Asset management Update of the AMF's policy on funds that use Total Return Swaps and communicate about their consideration of non-financial criteria
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF (French financial markets authority) is focused on funds that use Total Return Swaps and communicate about their consideration of non-financial criteria, which falls under the ESG/sustainability and reporting/disclosure topics.
Long term investment Retail investors Journalists More than one million new retail investors have entered equity markets in France over the last 3 years, according to the AMF's dashboard
Why this matters
This regulatory update discusses the increase in retail investor participation in the French equity markets over the past 3 years, which is relevant for asset managers, broker-dealers, and wealth managers that serve retail clients.
Asset management The AMF informs about the liquidation of the portfolio asset management company « Nestadio Capital »
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF (French financial markets authority) is informing about the liquidation of the portfolio asset management company 'Nestadio Capital'.
Long term investment Shares Stimulating the diversification of long-term savings: the AMF proposes an educational approach to equity investment
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF focuses on stimulating the diversification of long-term savings through an educational approach to equity investment. It is relevant for investment managers, wealth managers, and banks that offer long-term savings products.
Sanctions & settlements Journalists The AMF Enforcement Committee fines an issuer's Chief Financial Officer for insider dealing
AI Analysis
The AMF Enforcement Committee fined an issuer's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for insider dealing, highlighting the regulator's aggressive enforcement against market abuse by senior executives. This case underscores the personal liability of insiders who trade on privileged information, reinforcing the need for robust internal controls in listed companies. Compliance teams must prioritize insider trading prevention to mitigate similar sanctions risks.
Key dates
December 4, 2024
- EU Regulation 2024/2809 amending MAR entered into force
June 5, 2026
- Certain amendments in sample insider policies apply (e.g., Groupe Casino policy)
June 30, 2026
- AMF General Regulation updates effective
3 trading days Deadline
- PDMRs must report securities transactions to issuer and AMF
Suggested considerations
Implement or update insider trading policies with mandatory black-out periods (30 days pre-annual/interim results, 15 days pre-quarterly info), extending to all routine/occasional insiders per AMF recommendations.
Maintain insider lists and notify affected persons of trading restrictions; train staff on MAR Article 17 (disclosure) and Article 19 (PDMR dealings).
Strengthen monitoring of gifts, transactions in derivatives/index products, and whistleblowing mechanisms, as urged in AMF/AFA joint guidance.
Ensure PDMR transaction reporting within 3 trading days via AMF portal.
Conduct regular compliance inspections on insider networks and corruption risks, formalizing prohibitions in codes of ethics.
What changed
This enforcement action does not introduce new regulatory changes but exemplifies ongoing application of existing Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) rules under EU Regulation 596/2014 and AMF General Regulations, including Articles 223-9 and 221-3 on inside information disclosure and trading bans. It aligns with AMF Position-Recommendation No 2016-08 on managing inside information, emphasizing black-out periods (e.g., 30 days before annual/interim results) and trading restrictions for Persons Discharging Managerial Responsibilities (PDMRs).
Compliance impact
Urgency: High - This demonstrates AMF's focus on holding executives accountable, with fines signaling zero tolerance amid rising "insider networks" linked to organized crime, as noted in AMF's 2024 report and 2025 AMF/AFA warnings. Firms face heightened inspection risks, reputational damage, and personal sanctions; immediate policy reviews are essential pre-2026 MAR amendments to avoid enforcement.
Strategy Supervision Other professionals Executive & other private individuals Fintech Market Infrastructures Post-trade Infrastructures Professional investors Journalists Investment services providers ...
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the AMF covers priorities across investment management, capital markets, and fintech firms. Key topics include technology/cyber, authorization/licensing, and reporting/disclosure requirements. The medium urgency reflects the strategic nature of the update.