Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF)
Options binaires et CFD : l'AMF adopte des mesures d'intervention à l'échelle nationale
The AMF announced a national product intervention measure prohibiting the marketing, distribution and sale of binary options to non-professional clients in or from France, taking effect 2 July 2019 on a lasting basis.
The Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) announced a national intervention measure in force from 2 July 2019 prohibiting the marketing, distribution and sale of binary options to non-professional clients in or from France. Following a public consultation in spring 2019, the AMF extended the restriction on a lasting basis.
What the Rules Say
The Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) announced in a press release dated 2 July 2019 that a national product intervention measure concerning binary options entered into force from 2 July 2019.
The measure prohibits the marketing, distribution and sale, in France or from France, of binary options to non-professional clients.
The AMF states that the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) intervention measure, which had been renewed three times, ended on 1 July 2019.
Following a public consultation conducted in spring 2019, the AMF decided to extend the prohibition on a lasting basis.
The AMF also states that since 2 July 2018, the marketing, distribution and sale of binary options to retail investors in the European Union had been prohibited.
How to Check a Firm
Check the official register of the national regulator, the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF).
If a firm does not appear on the relevant register, treat that as a reason to stop and check further before sending money.
See our EU page for the ESMA background and Germany as another national example.
Frequently Asked Questions
What measure did the AMF introduce regarding binary options in France?
The AMF announced a national product intervention measure entering into force from 2 July 2019 prohibiting the marketing, distribution and sale, in France or from France, of binary options to non-professional clients on a lasting basis.
What background did the AMF provide regarding European-level measures?
The AMF noted that the previous ESMA measure had been renewed three times before ending on 1 July 2019, and that marketing, distribution and sale to retail investors in the European Union had been prohibited since 2 July 2018.
Did the AMF conduct a public consultation before extending the restriction?
The AMF states that its decision to extend the binary options prohibition on a lasting basis followed a public consultation held in spring 2019.
Does this page address individual liability?
This page summarises what the regulators' published rules say. It does not address whether an individual could face liability. Seek independent legal advice.
Sources and Official References
- AMF Press Release (2 July 2019): https://www.amf-france.org/fr/actualites-publications/communiques/communiques-de-lamf/options-binaires-et-cfd-lamf-adopte-des-mesures-dintervention-lechelle-nationale
- AMF's decision of 2 July 2019 prohibiting the marketing, distribution or sale, in France or from France, of binary options to retail investors: https://www.amf-france.org/en/amfs-decision-2-july-2019-prohibiting-marketing-distribution-or-sale-france-or-france-binary-options
This page summarises what the regulators' published rules say. It does not address whether an individual could face liability. Seek independent legal advice.
This page is published for informational and legal transparency purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Regulations change frequently across jurisdictions. Always consult official financial regulatory circulars (e.g. Bangladesh Bank, BSEC, FCA, CySEC) or qualified legal counsel before engaging in foreign exchange or derivative trading.