New Technologies and Protection of Investors: The Role of AMF

New technologies foster the emergence of innovative financial intermediation channels and allow a better allocation of savings in the interest of investors and the economy as a whole. These can also help companies reduce their bank financing dependence. Through three examples, this article depicts new issues the financial regulator is facing. The rise of new technologies should be accompanied and encouraged but the regulator also has to prevent and take action against all abusive practices that may surface in the wake of online tools. Forex trading platforms provide a typical example of financial products that are not suited to individual investors. On the contrary, the introduction of regulated status and a label dedicated to crowdfunding help secure a new investment vehicle for investors which might diversify and supplement traditional financing sources for companies in the long run. Finally, this article focuses on social media as a new communication tool for financial agents. Social media allow professionals to offer particularly rich and innovative customer experience, and can contribute to strengthening the quality of the information provided to investors when good practices are met.