AMF 2025 International Seminar Explores Global Regulatory Challenges

Key Takeaways:

• Focus on Financial Stability: Regulators discussed the increasing importance of financial stability, particularly in the context of growing non-bank finance, crypto-assets, and tokenization.
• European Investment Strategy: The AMF emphasized the need to better channel Europe’s abundant savings into the real economy, with a focus on simplifying rules and harmonizing supervision across the EU.
• Financial Education for Retail Investors: The AMF highlighted the importance of educating retail investors on risk evaluation, pointing to their ongoing work with the OECD and the "Mysteries of Investopolis" campaign.
• Addressing Emerging Issues: Discussions covered the use of artificial intelligence, decentralized finance, data quality in regulatory reporting, sustainability reporting, and fraud prevention.
• Global Collaboration Among Regulators: The seminar underscored the importance of international cooperation in tackling shared regulatory challenges, fostering dialogue among over 950 participants from 85 financial market authorities.

Deep Dive

The AMF's 2025 International Seminar wrapped up on March 20, leaving behind not just a digital trail but an invaluable conversation on the future of global financial regulation. Held in a 100% online format from March 10 to 20, the event brought together over 950 participants from 85 financial market authorities worldwide. It was a gathering of minds—regulators, experts, and thought leaders—all grappling with the growing complexities of financial markets in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world.

At the heart of the discussions were some heavy-hitting issues such as financial stability, artificial intelligence, data quality, and the importance of educating retail investors. Let’s break down the key moments and insights that emerged from this dynamic virtual seminar.

AMF Chair Marie-Anne Barbat-Layani sat down with IOSCO Chairman Jean-Paul Servais during a fireside chat to talk about their shared priorities and concerns. With the world’s financial systems undergoing rapid change, the need for regulators to stay ahead of emerging risks has never been more urgent.

They both agreed that financial stability—particularly in the context of rising non-bank finance—was at the top of their list. Barbat-Layani pointed out the growing influence of emerging technologies, like crypto-assets and tokenization, on the global economy. Together with Nikhil Rathi of the UK Financial Conduct Authority, Barbat-Layani co-chairs the IOSCO’s Financial Stability Engagement Group (FSEG), a platform where regulators keep a close watch on these very concerns.

In particular, they noted that as private finance continues to expand, so does the risk of stock market attrition and increasing exposure to money laundering. These were issues they emphasized could not be ignored. The message was clear: cooperation among regulators is crucial to addressing these vulnerabilities.

A Vision for the Future of European Investment

On the European front, Barbat-Layani reiterated the AMF’s long-standing commitment to promoting the Union for savings and investment. But this wasn’t just a call to action—it was a challenge to rethink how Europe channels its substantial household savings into the real economy.

“Europe’s savings are a strategic asset,” Barbat-Layani said, urging that these funds should be better directed toward financing Europe’s future. To do so, she argued that regulatory rules must be simplified and harmonized across the EU. After all, an investment-friendly environment in Europe doesn’t happen by chance—it requires a collective effort to streamline regulations and create a smoother experience for market participants.

One of the most inspiring moments of the seminar came when Barbat-Layani touched on the AMF’s work to empower retail investors. It’s clear that as more individuals enter the stock market, understanding the risks involved becomes paramount. That’s why in 2023 and 2024, the AMF worked with the OECD to study the behavior of these new investors. They discovered that many were eager to make informed choices but lacked the tools to fully evaluate risks. In response, the AMF launched the "Mysteries of Investopolis" campaign, designed to demystify the investment process and help investors understand what they’re getting into.

In a world where financial decisions are often complicated and overwhelming, Barbat-Layani’s emphasis on financial literacy couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s clear that helping people make smarter, safer investment choices isn’t just a good idea—it’s necessary for the future of financial markets.

AI, Data Quality, and Decentralized Finance

The seminar didn’t shy away from the big challenges facing regulators in the digital age. With artificial intelligence, decentralized finance (DeFi), and regulatory reporting on the rise, it’s no surprise that these topics were front and center. Regulators discussed how to keep up with the rapid pace of technological innovation, particularly when it comes to AI and its potential impact on financial markets. There was also a focus on data quality in regulatory reporting, which is crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability in today’s complex financial systems.

The AMF also took the opportunity to touch on the implementation of MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets), another topic that's top of mind for many regulators. Add to that the growing concerns around sustainability reporting, fraud, and the oversight of real estate crowdfunding and private equity/debt funds, and it’s clear that the landscape of financial regulation is shifting dramatically.

Ultimately, the AMF’s 2025 International Seminar wasn’t just about discussing challenges—it was about fostering a collaborative spirit. With over 950 participants from around the world, the seminar underscored the importance of coming together as a global community to face these emerging issues.

Regulators are no longer working in silos. They are learning from one another, sharing insights, and finding common ground on the toughest issues of the day. As markets continue to evolve at breakneck speed, this kind of cooperation is more vital than ever.

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