Germany's Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) published a supervisory communication clarifying its expectations for securities service providers, including banks and brokers, to ensure they can accept customer orders online without disruption even during periods of high utilisation. Institutions are expected to minimise the risk that customers are technically prevented from trading via trading apps and other online applications, an issue that occurred temporarily in early April following US tariff announcements. The communication also highlights requirements around firms’ contingency planning and their customer communications if technical disruptions occur despite preventive measures. BaFin Executive Director Dr Thorsten Pötzsch set out background and the supervisor’s intended follow-up approach in an interview on BaFin’s website, and the communication references further supervisory review.
BaFin 2025-08-25
Germany's Federal Financial Supervisory Authority BaFin issues supervisory communication on ensuring uninterrupted online order acceptance by securities service providers
The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) issued a supervisory communication clarifying expectations for securities service providers, including banks and brokers, to ensure uninterrupted online order acceptance during high utilisation. Firms are expected to minimise the risk of customers being technically prevented from trading, strengthen contingency planning, and improve customer communications in the event of disruptions. BaFin Executive Director Dr Thorsten Pötzsch outlined the background and planned supervisory follow-up in an interview.