The glossary to understand and take action

CSSF

The Commission de surveillance du secteur financier (CSSF) is a Luxembourg supervisory authority within the scope assigned to it by law.

Administration ou organisme professionnel · Luxembourg Fiduciaries Editorial Team · Reviewed on

Understand the scope

Its role for your business

It does not supervise every business or every fiduciary service provider indiscriminately. Check the entity’s precise status and the nature of the authorisation sought in official resources.

In your file

When to contact them and what to prepare

The CSSF operates in the financial sector according to the powers defined by the applicable texts. For a manager, the first issue is determining whether the planned activity falls within a regulated scope and which status is relevant. A company registered with the RCS is not thereby authorised by the CSSF. Verification must cover the exact name, the legal entity and the authorised activities, using official lists and information.

A scenario to help you understand

Educational example

A company is considering entrusting a financial service to an intermediary. It compares the contracting party’s name with the entity appearing in official registers and verifies that the stated status corresponds to the service offered.

Fictitious situation, presented to illustrate the concept.

Prepare for what comes next

Points to check

  • Définir le service financier concerné
  • Consulter les registres officiels
  • Vérifier le périmètre de l’agrément et les avertissements

The practical question

Find out more

La présence d’une société au Luxembourg signifie-t-elle qu’elle est surveillée par la CSSF ?

Non. La surveillance dépend de l’activité et du statut réglementaire, pas seulement du pays d’immatriculation. Avant de présenter un prestataire comme agréé ou surveillé, recherchez son statut exact dans les ressources de la CSSF. Vérifiez aussi que l’autorisation couvre le service envisagé : le nom commercial seul ne permet pas cette conclusion.

Connecting concepts

Terms to know as well

Continue with the concepts, contacts and procedures related to this topic.

Professional of the financial sector (PSF)A professional of the financial sector (PSF) is subject to a regulated status corresponding to a category of activities and the required authorisations.Alternative investment fund manager (AIFM / GFIA)The AIFM, referred to as GFIA in French, manages alternative investment funds in accordance with the framework applicable to it.Anti-money laundering — AML/CFTAnti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing requires the professionals concerned to comply with due diligence, organisational and cooperation obligations.Institut des réviseurs d’entreprises (IRE)The Institut des réviseurs d’entreprises (IRE) is the professional body for statutory auditors in Luxembourg.Reserved alternative investment fund (RAIF / FIAR)The RAIF, or FIAR in French, is a fund governed by a specific Luxembourg regime, with conditions specific to investors and its organisation.DepositaryParty responsible for asset safekeeping, oversight and cash monitoring functions for a fund, in accordance with its applicable framework.

Put it into practice

Explore further with our guides

Practical guideRAIF / FIAR in Luxembourg: framework and parties to distinguishPractical guideInvestment funds: understanding the roles before choosing a service provider

Sources and verification

References consulted on 20 September 2026. Official procedures specify the applicable conditions and exceptions.

This guide explains a general process. The applicable rules depend on your situation; it does not constitute personalised advice. Report a correction.

A definition gives you a reference point. To examine your situation, clarify your question with a professional.