Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF)

Basic Information about Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF)

The Polish Financial Supervision Authority (Komisja Nadzoru Finansowego, KNF) is the primary financial regulatory body in Poland, overseeing the stability and transparency of the country’s financial market. Established under the Act of 21 July 2006 on financial market supervision, KNF operates as an independent public entity responsible for licensing, monitoring, and enforcing compliance across various financial sectors. Its headquarters are located in Warsaw, Poland, at 20 Piękna Street.

Historical Background and Evolution

KNF was officially formed on 19 September 2006, consolidating the roles of previously separate supervisory bodies, including the Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Commission and the Polish Securities and Exchange Commission. In 2008, it further expanded its mandate by absorbing the banking supervision functions from the National Bank of Poland. This integration positioned KNF as a unified regulator for Poland’s financial markets, enhancing its ability to respond to systemic risks and maintain market stability.

Legal Authority and Regulatory Framework

KNF derives its authority from multiple legislative acts, including the Financial Market Supervision Act of 2006 and sector-specific laws governing banking, insurance, pensions, capital markets, and payment services. It enforces prudential regulations, issues licenses, imposes penalties for non-compliance, and can revoke licenses if violations occur. KNF also collaborates with European Supervisory Authorities (EBA, ESMA, EIOPA) to align with EU-wide financial standards.

Key Responsibilities and Supervisory Scope

KNF’s oversight extends to:

Banking institutions and cooperative credit unions
Capital markets, including brokers, investment firms, and collective investment schemes
Insurance and reinsurance companies
Pension funds and electronic money institutions
Payment service providers and crowdfunding platforms
Forex brokers and financial intermediaries

Additionally, KNF promotes financial education, mediates disputes, and drafts regulatory proposals to enhance market integrity.

Contact Information and Address

For inquiries or reports, KNF can be reached through the following channels:

Headquarters: ul. Piękna 20, 00-549 Warsaw, Poland
Helpline: (+48) 22 262-58-00
Email: Available via the contact form on the official website
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (local time)

How to Verify a KNF-Regulated Entity

To confirm whether a financial institution is under KNF’s supervision:

Visit the KNF’s Entities Search page on its official website.
Use the keyword search function or filter by category (e.g., “Authorized Entities”).
Enter the entity’s name and review the search results for licensing details.

KNF’s database includes regulated forex brokers, banks, and other financial service providers, ensuring transparency for investors.