Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht

The Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin) is the central supervisory authority for the German financial sector. It supervises banks, financial service providers, insurers, and securities trading to ensure the functionality, stability, and integrity of the financial market.

BaFin aims to strengthen trust in the financial market and protect the collective interests of consumers. To this end, it ensures the solvency of credit institutions and provides fair and transparent market conditions. Additionally, it combats money laundering and terrorist financing and pursues unauthorized financial transactions.

• Company Database: BaFin offers a comprehensive database where consumers can view supervised companies and their licenses[1].
• Account Comparison: With the BaFin account comparison, consumers can compare payment accounts, thus creating transparency and comparability[4].
• Financial Services: BaFin regulates a variety of financial services, including investment brokerage, investment advice, and financial portfolio management[5].

BaFin is committed to strengthening digital resilience in the financial market and promotes the implementation of technologies such as Distributed Ledger Technology. It is also working on the implementation of the DORA package to improve the IT security of financial institutions[3].

BaFin has actively participated in the implementation of the Financial Market Digitalization Act, which includes regulations on digital financial services and cryptocurrencies. It also regularly conducts surveys to better understand consumer needs, such as in real estate financing[2].