ACPR

The ACPR primarily ensures the financial soundness of the institutions it supervises.

It supervises in particular:

• banks;
• insurance companies;
• mutual insurers;
• provident institutions;
• certain financial intermediaries.

Its aim is to prevent difficulties that could endanger savers, policyholders or the wider economy.

The ACPR checks in particular that institutions have sufficient capital to meet their commitments and comply with the many regulatory obligations imposed by French and European authorities.

Trust is one of the foundations of the financial system.

When you deposit money in a bank account, take out life insurance or borrow, you must be able to rely on the institution's financial soundness.

The ACPR contributes to that trust through ongoing supervision of financial actors.

Without effective supervision, a bank or insurer's failure could have serious consequences for customers and the economy as a whole.

Supervising financial institutions

The ACPR carries out regular checks on the financial position of supervised institutions.

These checks cover in particular:

• solvency;
• risk management;
• governance;
• internal control systems;
• regulatory compliance.

The authority may request detailed information and conduct on-site inspections.

Protecting customers

The ACPR also works in customer protection.

It monitors compliance in particular with rules on:

• customer information;
• marketing financial products;
• commercial practices;
• complaint handling.

The aim is to ensure transparent operation of financial and insurance markets.

Combating money laundering

The ACPR actively combats:

• money laundering;
• terrorist financing;
• certain forms of financial fraud.

Financial institutions must establish rigorous procedures to identify customers and report suspicious transactions.

Managing financial crises

Since its resolution mandate was added in 2013, the ACPR has had tools to intervene when an institution faces serious difficulties.

This responsibility aims to prevent a bank failure from destabilising the entire financial system.

The ACPR directly supervises several thousand financial sector participants.

These include:

• banks;
• insurance companies;
• mutual insurers;
• provident institutions;
• certain payment institutions;
• certain credit institutions.

Many wealth professionals are also indirectly affected by ACPR rules and checks.

These two organisations are often confused.

The ACPR is a supervisory authority. It monitors financial institutions and ensures regulatory compliance.

The ORIAS, by contrast, is an official register listing financial intermediaries such as:

• insurance brokers ;
• credit brokers ;
• financial investment advisers ;
• banking transaction intermediaries.

A professional may be registered with ORIAS while being subject to obligations overseen by the ACPR.

The ACPR has substantial powers.

It can in particular:

• carry out checks;
• issue formal notices;
• impose corrective measures;
• impose financial penalties;
• revoke certain authorisations;
• publish disciplinary decisions.

These powers ensure effective application of prudential and consumer protection rules.

Authorised banks, insurance companies and financial institutions appear in official public registers.

Before purchasing a financial product or insurance, check that the institution has the required authorisations.

This helps reduce risks associated with scams or unauthorised operators.

The ACPR is the French authority supervising banks, insurance companies and many financial actors. Its mission is to ensure financial system stability, protect customers and oversee compliance with prudential regulations.

Its work strengthens savers', investors' and policyholders' trust in financial institutions. Its role has become even more important since financial crises highlighted the need for stronger banking and insurance supervision.

If you wish to purchase a financial product, a life insurance policy or establish a wealth strategy, it may be helpful to seek support from a professional listed in the Les Experts du Patrimoine directory. A qualified adviser can guide you towards solutions suited to your circumstances while working with operators regulated and supervised by the competent authorities.