On August 21, 2026, the FMA warned against offers from capital equity markets. The provider stated locations in London, Berlin and Vienna. What the authority has published and what steps those affected should check now.
Financial services were advertised under the name “Capital Equity Markets” on the website capitalequity-markets.com. The Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) published a warning about this in August 2026. This article summarizes the proven facts and explains what is important for those affected now.
What the FMA has published
On August 21, 2026, the FMA warned against offers from the “Capital Equity Markets” (capitalequity-markets.com). After publication, the provider is not authorized to provide the advertised financial services in Austria. According to the FMA, the provider stated locations in London, Berlin and Vienna.
Locations specified are not verified business addresses. For providers without permission, prestigious addresses in financial metropolises often serve to convey seriousness. It is not documented whether there actually are offices at the locations mentioned.
How investors recognize dubious broker offers
The following features are general warning signs for online brokers and are not statements of fact about a specific provider:
- No permission from a supervisory authority - or a claim that cannot be confirmed in the official databases.
- Contact only via telephone and messenger through changing “advisors”; Pressure to make quick additional payments.
- Deposits into third-party accounts, often overseas, or in cryptocurrency.
- Winnings displayed that cannot be withdrawn; Payouts are linked to fees, taxes or minimum sales.
- Alleged locations in several financial metropolises without verifiable register entries.
What those affected can do now
- Do not make any further payments, especially no advance payments for withdrawals.
- Back up all documents: contracts, payment receipts, bank statements, chat histories, emails and screenshots of the customer account.
- Inform your own bank or card issuer and have chargeback options checked.
- File a criminal complaint and report the matter to the supervisory authority.
- Document further contact attempts by the provider, but do not make any new statements until the case has been examined.
Legal options
In addition to claims against the provider, claims against the holders of the recipient accounts, against the payment service providers involved and - depending on the process - against your own bank can also be considered. The lack of the required permission, as determined by the FMA, may be important for claims for damages against those responsible. Which claims exist and whether their enforcement makes economic sense depends on the payment methods and documents in the individual case.
Conclusion
There has been a warning from the FMA regarding capital equity markets since August 21, 2026. Those affected should stop further payments, secure documents and have their options checked. There is no further evaluation of the provider associated with this article.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
No. A given address is not permission. Whether a provider is approved in Germany can only be determined from the BaFin company database. The FMA has determined that the required authorization is missing for Austria.
Do not make any upfront payments for withdrawal. Secure receipts and communications and have them checked to see whether payments can be recovered via your bank or card issuer and what other claims may be considered.
