Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA)

Basic Information

The Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) is the primary regulatory body overseeing financial markets and services in Belgium. Established to ensure market integrity and consumer protection, it operates under Belgian law and collaborates with European Union frameworks. Its official website (https://fsma.be) serves as a central hub for regulatory updates, compliance guidelines, and investor resources.

Historical Background

The FSMA was formed to consolidate financial oversight in Belgium, replacing earlier fragmented regulatory structures. While its exact founding year is not explicitly stated in public records, its regulatory framework aligns with EU directives such as MiFID II and the Prospectus Regulation. The authority gained expanded powers through national legislation, including amendments to Belgium’s Financial Services and Markets Act, to address evolving risks in forex trading, digital assets, and cross-border financial activities.

Legal Authority and Regulatory Framework

The FSMA derives its authority from Belgium’s Financial Services and Markets Act, supplemented by EU regulations. Key responsibilities include:

• Enforcing compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) measures.
• Supervising forex brokers, investment firms, and payment service providers.
• Overseeing market transparency and fair practices under MiFID II.

It collaborates with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) to harmonize cross-border regulations.

Core Responsibilities and Scope

The FSMA regulates entities across multiple sectors:

• Forex and CFD Trading: Licensing brokers, enforcing leverage limits, and ensuring client fund segregation.
• Securities Markets: Monitoring insider trading, market manipulation, and prospectus approvals.
• Consumer Protection: Investigating fraudulent schemes and providing investor education programs.
• Insurance and Banking: Supervising solvency requirements and conduct risks.

Contact Information

Headquarters Address:
Rue du Congrès/Congresstraat 12-14,
1000 Brussels, Belgium
Website: https://fsma.be
Compliance Inquiries: Accessible via the online contact form on the official website.

Verification of Regulated Entities

To confirm if a financial service provider is FSMA-regulated:

1. Visit the FSMA’s Financial Service Provider Search tool on its website.
2. Enter the company name or registration number.
3. Cross-check the listed authorization status and permitted activities.

Unregulated entities may be reported through the FSMA’s whistleblower portal.