In the world of wealth management, COBSP status is very common among wealth management advisors (CGP), credit brokers, or certain family offices. In particular, it enables work on real estate financing issues, wealth-backed loans, or cash-flow optimization.

COBSP is one of the regulated categories of financial intermediaries registered with ORIAS.

What is the role of a COBSP in wealth management?

In wealth management, the COBSP mainly deals with financing-related issues.

In particular, they can support clients with:

• a mortgage;
• rental investment financing;
• a business loan;
• debt consolidation;
• a wealth-backed loan;
• SCPI financing;
• cash-flow solutions;
• payment services.

The COBSP’s role generally involves analyzing the client’s financial situation, comparing different banking offers, and finding a solution suited to the intended wealth project.

In some cases, using financing can optimize a wealth strategy thanks to the leverage effect of credit.

What is the difference between a COBSP and an IOBSP?

The term IOBSP means “Intermediary in Banking Transactions and Payment Services”. This is the overall regulatory category.

COBSP is a specific sub-category of IOBSP.

A COBSP acts as an independent broker and generally works with several banking institutions in order to compare the offers available on the market.

Conversely, other categories exist within IOBSP:

• exclusive agent;
• non-exclusive agent;
• intermediary’s agent.

In wealth management, COBSP status is often preferred because it offers greater independence in selecting financing solutions.

Why do CGPs use COBSP status?

Wealth management advisors often adopt COBSP status in order to offer more comprehensive wealth support.

Indeed, a wealth strategy is not based solely on financial investments. Financing also plays a central role in many transactions:

• real estate investment;
• buying SCPI on credit;
• tax optimization;
• wealth leverage;
• wealth transfer;
• debt restructuring.

Thanks to COBSP status, the professional can support the client in finding financing that is consistent with their wealth objectives and borrowing capacity.

It is common for a CGP to combine several regulatory statuses:

• CIF (Financial Investment Advisor);
• COBSP;
• insurance broker;
• real estate agent or Carte T.

Must a COBSP be registered with ORIAS?

Yes. Like other regulated financial intermediaries, a COBSP must be registered with ORIAS.

This registration makes it possible to verify:

• the professional’s regulatory status;
• the validity of their authorization;
• their level of activity;
• their professional liability insurance;
• their regulatory compliance.

Before seeking financing or sharing sensitive financial information, it is recommended to check the professional’s ORIAS registration.

What regulations govern COBSPs?

COBSP activity is strictly governed by the French Monetary and Financial Code.

In particular, the professional must:

• comply with disclosure obligations;
• clearly present their remuneration;
• analyze the client’s financial situation;
• verify that the proposed solutions are suitable;
• comply with rules relating to borrower protection.

As part of wealth support, these obligations are essential because credit transactions can have significant long-term consequences for the client’s financial situation.

Why use a COBSP?

Using a COBSP can provide access to specialized support in finding financing.

In particular, the professional can help to:

• compare several banking offers;
• negotiate certain terms;
• optimize the financing structure;
• save time on administrative steps;
• integrate credit into an overall wealth strategy.

In some complex wealth projects, the involvement of a financing professional can be a real optimization lever.

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