On the same day, the FMA warned against offers from Clear Markets Europe (specified location in London) and BCLS Assets (specified location in Switzerland). What the authority has published, why the two cases should be viewed separately and what those affected should check now.
The Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) published two warnings on September 11, 2026: on “Clear Markets Europe” and on “BCLS Assets”. The fact that both reports appeared on the same day says nothing about a connection between the providers. This article presents both cases separately and explains what those affected can derive from them.
Clear Markets Europe
The FMA warned against offers from “Clear Markets Europe”, distributed via the website clearmarket-europe.com. After publication, the provider is not authorized to provide the advertised financial services in Austria. According to the FMA, the provider stated a location in London.
BCLS Assets
Also on September 11, 2026, the FMA warned against offers from “BCLS Assets” (bcls-assets.com). Here too, the authority determined that the required authorization for Austria was missing. According to the FMA, the provider stated a location in Switzerland.
Correctly classify location information in London or Switzerland
A stated registered office in London or Switzerland appears trustworthy to many investors. However, the address is irrelevant to the question of whether a provider is supervised. The entry in the registers of the respective supervisory authority is decisive - in Switzerland, FINMA also maintains a public warning list, and in Great Britain the FCA maintains a register of approved companies. A provider who cannot be found there should be viewed with great caution.
What those affected can do now
- Do not make any further payments, especially no advance payments for alleged withdrawals.
- Secure documents: payment receipts, bank statements, contracts, chat histories, emails and screenshots of the customer account.
- Inform your bank or card issuer and have chargeback options checked.
- File a criminal complaint and report the matter to the supervisory authority.
- Do not answer calls from alleged return services, lawyers or authorities who demand advance payment.
Legal options
In both cases the following applies: In addition to claims against the provider, claims against the holders of the recipient accounts, payment service providers involved and - depending on the process - your own bank can also be considered. The official determination of a lack of permission can be important for claims for damages against those responsible. Which claims exist depends on the specific payment methods and documents.
Conclusion
There have been warnings from the FMA regarding Clear Markets Europe and BCLS Assets since September 11, 2026. Those affected should stop further payments, secure documents and have their case reviewed. A connection between the two providers has not been proven and is not claimed here.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
There is no evidence of this in the FMA's publications. Both warnings only appeared on the same day. This post claims no connection.
FINMA accepts information about providers who may be operating illegally, but does not enforce the claims of individual investors. Civil legal action and cooperation with your bank are crucial to getting your money back.
