The Autorité des Marchés Financiers(AMF) plays a crucial role in regulating the communications of asset management companies, particularly on their websites. To ensure that these companies comply with the principles of clarity, fairness and avoidance of deception, the AMF has drawn up detailed recommendations. These guidelines are essential to protect investors and ensure that the information provided is both reliable and compliant with regulatory standards.

Transparent information

Management company websites must provide comprehensive, easy-to-understand information on the financial products they offer. This includes

• Detailed product description: Each available financial product must be described in such a way that its characteristics, operation and investment objectives are clearly explained.
• Indication of associated risks: The risks specific to each product must be clearly identified to prevent investors from making ill-informed decisions.
• Cost disclosure: All costs associated with investing in products must be explicitly disclosed. This includes management fees, performance fees and any other costs.

Accessible and understandable information

To ensure that all stakeholders, including less experienced investors, can easily access and understand the information, the AMF recommends:

• Use simple language: Avoid technical jargon and prefer clear, straightforward language (providing a glossary is a recommended practice that will also help your SEO).
• Logical organization of information: Structure information in a logical and intuitive way, with clear menus and well-defined sections, making it easy to navigate the site.

Updating information

Accurate information is crucial, especially in today’s fast-changing financial environment:

• Frequency of updates: Site data should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in market conditions or company strategy.
• Date of last update: Each page containing financial data should clearly indicate when the information was last updated.

Regulatory information

It is imperative that websites include all required regulatory information:

• Registration details: Information concerning the management company’s registration with the AMF must be easily accessible.
• Legal information and regulatory documents: This includes Key Investor Information Documents (KIIDs) and other mandatory legal information.

Advertising and promotional communications

All promotional content must be clearly distinguished from factual information:

• Clear identification: Promotional materials must be clearly marked as such.
• Balance in presentation: Ensure that any promotion provides a balanced view of risks and benefits, avoiding exaggerated or misleading claims.

Personal data protection

Compliance with data protection regulations is essential:

• Data security: Appropriate measures must be put in place to protect users’ personal data.
• Transparency about users’ rights: Clearly inform users about how their data is used and about their rights under applicable law.

Accessibility

Ensure site accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities:

Compliance with accessibility standards: Websites must comply with web accessibility standards to enable all users to access the information and services offered.

These AMF guidelines aim to ensure that asset management companies operate within a transparent and fair framework, thereby reinforcing public confidence in the financial markets. For companies in the sector, it is crucial to follow these recommendations not only to remain compliant, but also to maintain investor loyalty and confidence.