On August 25, 2026, the FMA warned against offers from primary markets (primary-markets.com). The provider named locations in all three DACH countries. What is proven is what this means for investors in Germany and what steps those affected should consider.
“Primary Markets” appeared as a provider of financial services via the website primary-markets.com and named locations in Vienna, Berlin and Zurich. The Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) published a warning in August 2026. This article classifies what has been proven and what those affected should pay attention to.
What the FMA has published
On August 25, 2026, the FMA warned against offers from “primary markets” (primary-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 Vienna, Berlin and Zurich.
Why location information in three countries makes you sit up and take notice
A provider that has offices in Vienna, Berlin and Zurich specifically addresses customers throughout the German-speaking region. However, the information alone does not prove an actual presence or approval in one of these countries. Anyone who wants to provide financial services in Germany needs permission from BaFin; In Switzerland, FINMA is responsible. You can check whether a company is registered there in the authorities' public databases.
What those affected can do now
- Do not make any further payments - not even for alleged fees, taxes or activation of a withdrawal.
- Secure documents: payment receipts, bank statements, contract documents, chat histories, emails and screenshots of the customer account.
- Inform your own bank or card issuer and have them check whether payments can be recovered.
- File a criminal complaint and report the matter to the responsible supervisory authority.
- Do not respond to offers from alleged return services that require payment in advance.
Legal options
Since those responsible for such offers are often intangible, we check right from the start which other parties come into consideration: the holders of the recipient accounts, the payment service providers and crypto exchanges involved and, in certain constellations, your own bank. The lack of the necessary permission can be important for claims for damages against those responsible. Whether claims exist and are economically enforceable depends on the individual case.
Conclusion
There has been a warning from the FMA regarding primary markets since August 25, 2026. Specified locations in Vienna, Berlin and Zurich do not replace approval. Those affected should stop further payments, secure documents and have their options checked.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
The FMA is responsible for Austria; their finding concerns the lack of authorization there. For Germany, the decisive factor is whether the provider is listed in BaFin's company database. Regardless, a warning from a supervisory authority is a signal that must be taken seriously.
Not necessarily. There may be claims for repayment and damages against the recipient account holders, and your bank may attempt to recall the transfer. The chances of success depend on the individual case - the sooner action is taken, the better.
