Financial Services

If you want to work as an insurance or reinsurance broker (courtier en assurance) in France, you must register with ORIAS, the official register of insurance, banking, and finance intermediaries. Registration requires proof of professional capacity: either 150 hours of approved training, two years of managerial experience, four years of non-managerial experience in the sector, or a relevant diploma (as set out in Art. R512-9 of the Code des assurances). You also need professional liability insurance (RC Pro) with minimum coverage of 1,564,610 euros per claim, and a financial guarantee if you handle client funds.Since April 2022, membership in a professional association approved by the ACPR is also mandatory. ORIAS registration must be renewed annually. You must also register your business with the RCS (registre du commerce et des sociétés) as insurance brokerage is a commercial activity.

Issued by: ORIAS (Single Register of Insurance, Banking and Finance Intermediaries)

To operate as a banking and payment services broker (courtier IOBSP) in France, you must register with ORIAS. Brokers fall under IOBSP category 1, which requires completion of 150 hours of initial training or a qualifying diploma. You must also hold professional liability insurance and provide a financial guarantee if you handle client funds.Since April 2022, membership in a professional association approved by the ACPR is mandatory. ORIAS registration is renewed annually, and you must complete 15 hours of continuing education each year. Your business must be registered with the RCS (registre du commerce et des sociétés). The ACPR supervises all banking intermediaries and can conduct inspections.

Issued by: ORIAS (Single Register of Insurance, Banking and Finance Intermediaries)

Debt collection on behalf of third parties (recouvrement de créances pour le compte d'autrui) is a regulated activity in France. If you want to recover debts professionally for other creditors, you must file a written declaration with the procureur de la République at the tribunal judiciaire in your jurisdiction before starting operations. There is no special register or formal authorization procedure.The declaration must demonstrate that you meet conditions of good character (honorabilité) and professional competence. You must also hold professional liability insurance and maintain a dedicated bank account for client funds, separate from your own. Debt collection agents are bound by strict rules on contacting debtors, including prohibited hours and mandatory written notices before any action.

Issued by: Public Prosecutor and Commercial Court Registry