The Austrian Financial Market Authority published its 2026 bank distribution report, finding that the number of securities accounts held at Austrian credit institutions rose 14% in 2025 to 2.87 million. Digital platforms and the Austrian branches of foreign providers drove the expansion, with European providers’ branches increasing their market share from 13% to 20%. The five largest institutions retained 43% of the market, while banks’ net securities commission income grew 15% to EUR 1.87 billion. Complaints to Austrian credit institutions increased 17% to 140,747, including a 70% rise in complaints about investment services to 9,096. The authority emphasized consistent investor protection across domestic and cross-border providers and warned that low-cost services without advice leave customers responsible for investment decisions, often amid unreliable financial information on social media. Outstanding consumer credit rose 6.8% to EUR 22.5 billion in 2025. The authority will gain expanded supervisory powers in this area in November 2026 and plans increased inspections in 2027. The report also found that payment fraud cases are becoming larger despite declining in number, with more victims being deceived into authorizing payments themselves.
2026-09-15Austria Financial Market Authority
Austrian Financial Market Authority reports 14% growth in securities accounts as investment service complaints jump 70%
The Austrian Financial Market Authority reported that securities accounts rose 14% to 2.87 million in 2025, driven by digital providers and European branches. Complaints about investment services jumped 70% to 9,096, prompting an emphasis on consistent investor protection across domestic and cross-border firms. The authority will gain expanded consumer credit supervisory powers in November 2026 and plans increased inspections in 2027.