Much of the relevant law in France is derived from European Union directives and regulations. In many respects, therefore, French domestic legislation and rules simply give effect to pan-European legal requirements. However, since many European directives only set minimum standards, the way in which directives have been implemented across Europe can vary. In other words, the French and other European jurisdictions have introduced domestic laws that exceed European-level requirements. Moreover, directives may contain obligations and discretions at a member state level and France also has various domestic rules.

In the banking and financial sectors, the main regulatory laws can be found in the Monetary and Financial Code. There are further legal and regulatory texts that are not regrouped in a code.

 The AMF has regulatory powers of an administrative nature by editing its rulebook that financial services providers need to comply with. Both the ACPR and the AMF issue rules and guidance, which apply to the firms they supervise. It is also necessary to take into account technical standards and guidance published by the European Union’s supervisory authorities and the European Central Bank.

In the insurance sector, regulatory laws governing  insurance/reinsurance companies are split between the Monetary and Financial Code and the French Code of Insurance. Laws governing the relations with consumers are mostly set forth in the French Code of Insurance (inspired or supplemented by the Consumer Code for certain points). Further legal and regulatory texts exist and are not regrouped in a code.

Insurance activities in France are also significantly influenced by the positions expressed by the EIOPA and by the ACPR through their recommendations, guidelines, etc.