European Fraud Protection Group

Austria

Finanzmarktaufsicht (FMA)

https://www.fma.gv.at

The Finanzmarktaufsicht (FMA) is Austria's financial market authority, responsible for the supervision of banks, insurance companies, pension funds, and investment firms operating in or from Austria. The FMA has been active in publishing investor warnings and maintains a comprehensive database of authorised entities. Austrian bank accounts are sometimes used by fraudulent operations due to Austria's position in the European financial system.

How to File a Complaint

1

The FMA accepts complaints and reports through its online contact form at fma.gv.at.

2

Complaints can be submitted in German or English.

3

Provide the entity's name, website, Austrian company registration number (if known), and all supporting documentation.

4

The FMA assesses complaints as part of its supervisory function and may take enforcement action where warranted.

5

For disputes with authorised financial firms, the Gemeinsame Schlichtungsstelle der Osterreichischen Kreditwirtschaft provides mediation services.

Register & Verification

The FMA maintains public registers of authorised entities including banks, investment firms, and payment service providers, accessible through its website. The FMA also publishes investor warnings about unauthorised entities.

Key Regulations

  • Wertpapieraufsichtsgesetz (WAG) -- Austrian Securities Supervision Act implementing MiFID II.
  • Bankwesengesetz (BWG) -- Austrian Banking Act.
  • Finanzmarktgeldwaschegesetz (FM-GwG) -- Austrian Financial Markets Anti-Money Laundering Act.
  • Zahlungsdienstegesetz (ZaDiG) -- Austrian Payment Services Act implementing PSD2.

Typical Timelines

The FMA typically acknowledges complaints within 2-4 weeks. Investigation timelines are confidential. The FMA can issue investor warnings relatively quickly and has the power to impose administrative penalties, withdraw authorisations, and file criminal complaints.

Warning List

https://www.fma.gv.at/en/investor-warnings/

Need Advisory Support?

If you have been affected by financial fraud and require structured advisory support, submit your case for a free preliminary assessment.

Request Case Assessment