In the field of wealth management, ORIAS plays a central role because many wealth management professionals are required to be registered there.

This includes in particular:

• wealth management advisors;
• insurance brokers;
• banking operations intermediaries;
• certain financial agents;
• professionals distributing insurance or financing products.

ORIAS registration is now an essential element of credibility and regulatory compliance.

What is ORIAS for?

The main role of ORIAS is to centralize information relating to regulated professionals in the financial and insurance sector.

The register makes it possible in particular to verify:

• the professional’s legal existence;
• their regulatory status;
• their authorizations;
• the validity of their registration;
• certain mandatory professional guarantees.

As part of a wealth management strategy, this check is particularly important before subscribing to any financial, real estate, or insurance product.

The ORIAS register is therefore a protection tool for savers and investors.

Which wealth management professionals must be registered with ORIAS?

Many players in wealth management must be registered with ORIAS.

This is notably the case for:

• CIF (Financial Investment Advisors);
• COA (Insurance Brokers);
• COBSP (Brokers in Banking Operations and Payment Services);
• MIA (Insurance Intermediary Agents);
• general insurance agents;
• IOBSP;
• insurance intermediaries.

In practice, a wealth management advisor may combine several ORIAS categories in order to offer more comprehensive wealth support.

For example, a CGP can be both:

• a CIF for investment advice;
• an insurance broker for life insurance;
• a COBSP for wealth financing.

Why is ORIAS registration important in wealth management?

ORIAS registration helps ensure that the professional complies with a number of regulatory obligations.

This includes in particular:

• appropriate professional capacity;
• professional civil liability insurance;
• financial guarantees in certain cases;
• compliance with regulatory rules.

In the wealth management sector, this check is essential because professionals may be involved in sensitive matters:

• financial investments;
• life insurance;
• wealth transfer planning;
• real estate investments;
• wealth-related credit;
• tax optimization.

Checking ORIAS therefore helps limit certain risks linked to unauthorized players.

How do you verify a professional on ORIAS?

The official ORIAS register is accessible online free of charge.

Generally, you just need to search for:

• the professional’s name;
• the firm’s name;
• the ORIAS number.

The record then allows you to view:

• the regulatory statuses held;
• the validity date;
• the activity categories;
• certain administrative information.

Before entrusting your savings or assets to a professional, this check is an important step.

What is the difference between ORIAS and the AMF?

ORIAS and the Autorité des marchés financiers do not have the same role.

ORIAS is a registration register for intermediaries.

The AMF, for its part, is the authority responsible for overseeing financial markets and certain investment professionals.

In the field of wealth management, these two bodies can act in a complementary way.

For example:

• a CIF must be registered with ORIAS;
• but they must also join an association approved by the AMF.

Why check ORIAS before investing?

In the wealth management sector, certain transactions can involve significant amounts and have long-term consequences.

Checking a professional’s ORIAS registration makes it possible in particular to:

• confirm their authorization;
• verify their authorized activities;
• avoid certain fraud risks;
• ensure compliance with the regulatory framework.

This reflex is particularly recommended before any subscription related to:

• life insurance;
• financial investments;
• a real estate investment;
• a wealth-backed loan;
• a tax-reduction scheme.

FAQ