The contact form is primarily designed for companies in early project phases, (as yet) unauthorised market participants and technical service providers. The contact form is, of course, also available to institutions and insurance companies that have already been authorised, as well as other third parties. If there are already direct communication channels in place between you and BaFin, we ask that you use these.

Only enquiries that are specific can be examined and answered. For us to examine your enquiry, in particular with regard to the authorisation requirement, we would ideally need a detailed description of the business model, contract documents (templates, drafts, terms and conditions) if available, and a list of the companies involved in the business model (e.g. affiliated companies). In addition, of course, it is also possible to submit enquiries requesting guidance for an early stage of the procedure.

An enquiry is possible at any stage of the procedure in which a specific question arises on the basis of a solid business plan for the intended activities.

Please note that conducting business and/or providing services requiring authorisation without first obtaining authorisation is a criminal offence. Therefore, if you wish to send us an enquiry – especially regarding the assessment of possible authorisation requirements – you must do so in good time before commencing with your business activities.

Your enquiry will be sent on to the responsible division for examination. This BaFin division will first send you a confirmation of receipt and key data regarding your enquiry (reference number, responsible staff member, etc.). We respond to enquiries as quickly as possible. If your enquiry is more complex, the supervisory inspection will require more time. It is also possible that we will need to ask you for additional information and/or documentation in order to reach a final assessment of your intended business activities.

Although our statutory functions include authorisation to issue information on specific supervisory issues and to comment on our administrative practices, we are not authorised to provide legal advice. Please bear in mind, therefore, that the information we provide cannot replace legal advice.