Financial Market Authority (FMA)
The Financial Market Authority (FMA) is Austria’s independent financial regulatory body overseeing banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment firms, and forex brokers. The FMA operates under the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) framework, implementing EU-wide standards to ensure transparency, security, and fairness in the financial markets.
The Financial Market Authority (FMA) ensures that forex brokers in Austria follow strict ESMA-aligned regulations to protect investors. For a safe and compliant trading experience, always choose an FMA-regulated broker with verified licensing and transparent practices.
- 30:1 for major currency pairs
- 20:1 for non-major currency pairs, gold, and major indices
- 10:1 for commodities (excluding gold) and non-major indices
- 5:1 for individual equities
- 2:1 for cryptocurrencies
- Supervises forex brokers and investment firms operating in Austria
- Enforces ESMA’s restrictions on leverage, marketing, and client fund protection
- Publishes warnings on unauthorized brokers
- Ensures compliance with MiFID II and AML laws
- Visit the FMA Company Database
- Enter the broker’s name or license number
- Review the firm's licensing status, services, and restrictions
- Capital Requirements: €730,000 minimum capital (as per MiFID II)
- Negative Balance Protection: Must be provided to retail clients
- Client Fund Segregation: Required by law
- Marketing Restrictions: No bonuses or misleading promotions
- Risk Warnings: Standardized ESMA-format loss disclosures
- Leverage & Margin Compliance: Fully enforced under ESMA law
Advantages
- Full alignment with ESMA for investor safety
- Transparent public register and regulatory communication
- High standards for capital and client fund protection
- Legal safeguards under Austrian and EU regulations
Limitations
- Strict limitations on leverage and promotions
- Small number of locally licensed brokers
- Most communication and resources are primarily in German
Country
Austria
Established
2002
Contact
+43 1 249 59 0
Complaint bodies
Financial Market Authority (FMA) Schlichtung für Verbrauchergeschäfte (Austrian ADR for financial disputes)
Hotline
+43 1 249 59 0
Complaint email
Last updated on: March 26, 2025
High Risk Warning : Please note that foreign exchange and other leveraged trading involves significant risk of loss. It is not suitable for all investors and you should make sure you understand the risks involved, seeking independent advice if necessary.