5 minute read
Is JustMarkets Legal in France? A Comprehensive Review
from JustMarkets
by Exness_India
Yes, JustMarkets is not legally authorized to operate in France. As of now, JustMarkets does not hold a license from France’s financial regulatory authority, the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF). This means the platform is not legally permitted to offer its financial or trading services to French residents under French law.
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Why JustMarkets Is Not Considered Legal in France
France, being a member of the European Union, maintains strict regulatory standards when it comes to online trading and financial services. To operate legally in France, a broker must be either:
Regulated and licensed by the AMF or
Passported into France via an EU license under MiFID II regulations
JustMarkets does not appear on the AMF's list of authorized investment service providers and does not operate under any European license that would grant it the right to passport its services into the French market. The AMF has also issued warnings in the past about unlicensed forex brokers soliciting clients in France—highlighting the risks of trading with platforms that fall outside its regulatory scope.
This absence of regulatory approval means that JustMarkets is not legally recognized as a legitimate brokerage in France, regardless of how reliable or reputable the platform may appear elsewhere.
What Does This Mean for French Traders?
If you reside in France, using JustMarkets to trade CFDs, forex, or any other financial instruments is not recommended and potentially legally questionable. Here’s why:
Lack of legal protection:
If something goes wrong, French authorities are limited in how they can assist you. You're essentially dealing with an offshore entity outside the jurisdiction of French law.
No access to investor compensation schemes:
Unlike trading with AMF-regulated brokers, using unlicensed platforms excludes you from regulatory compensation in the event of broker insolvency.
Risk of scam or unethical practices:
While JustMarkets is not listed as a scam, the fact that it operates outside of legal frameworks in France raises red flags. The AMF regularly warns about firms that aggressively solicit French users without authorization.
Tax and legal complications:
Profits made from unauthorized platforms could complicate your financial reporting. Moreover, you may unknowingly violate local investment laws.
In short, trading with JustMarkets from France exposes you to unnecessary risks that can be avoided by choosing a locally regulated broker.
Understanding French Regulatory Requirements for Brokers
France requires any brokerage offering financial services—especially high-risk products like forex and CFDs—to be transparent, compliant, and accountable. Brokers must:
Be licensed by the AMF or operate under passporting rights from another EU country
Comply with MiFID II (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive) regulations
Submit to regular audits, client fund protection standards, and marketing regulations
JustMarkets, while regulated in offshore jurisdictions like Seychelles under FSA (Financial Services Authority), does not meet these French or European standards. Offshore regulation is considered significantly less stringent compared to European regulatory regimes.
This is why many trading platforms regulated in offshore jurisdictions are banned or heavily restricted in the European Union.
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The Difference Between Global Legitimacy and Local Legality
It's important to distinguish between a platform being globally operational and being locally legal.
JustMarkets is a known forex and CFD broker with a global presence. It is regulated in offshore jurisdictions, and it might be perfectly legal to use in other countries where the regulatory environment is more relaxed or permissive. However, this does not extend to France, where regulations are tougher and more protective of retail investors.
In other words, even though JustMarkets might be a legitimate platform on the international stage, that does not make it legal in France.
Alternatives to JustMarkets in France
If you're based in France and interested in trading forex or CFDs, your best option is to use a broker that is:
Fully licensed by the AMF
OR based in another EU country with passporting rights
OR listed in the AMF’s registry of approved investment service providers
Examples of well-known, AMF-compliant brokers include:
IG France
XTB France
Saxo Bank
eToro (operating via CySEC passporting)
These brokers not only offer a wide range of trading instruments but also operate under strict European regulatory frameworks, providing client fund protection, transparent fees, and legal accountability.
What If You’re Already Using JustMarkets from France?
If you're already using JustMarkets and you reside in France, consider the following actions:
Withdraw funds: If possible, prioritize withdrawing your capital and profits before any complications arise.
Avoid further deposits: Until the platform gains proper licensing, do not deposit additional funds or recommend the platform to others in France.
Report unsolicited promotions: If you receive calls or emails from JustMarkets or affiliated marketers, report them to the AMF.
Switch to a regulated broker: For your own safety and financial security, transition to a broker that complies with French or EU law.
Final Thoughts
To answer the question directly: No, JustMarkets is not legal in France. The platform does not hold an AMF license nor does it operate under any EU passporting agreement, making it an unauthorized financial service provider in the country.
While the platform may be functional and used by traders globally, French residents are advised against using it due to the legal risks, lack of investor protection, and potential regulatory violations. If you're looking to trade forex or CFDs in France, the safest path is to choose a broker regulated by the AMF or another EU-based authority.
✅ Trade with JustMarkets now: Open An Account or Visit Brokers 👈
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