CNMV warns 'Artx Max App', promoted in WhatsApp groups, is not authorised for investment services
On 26 October 2026 Spain's securities regulator, the Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV), issued a public warning about an unregistered firm, 'ARTX MAX APP', which it says is promoted in WhatsApp groups, c…
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Source: cnmv.es · published
What happened
On 26 October 2026 Spain's securities regulator, the Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV), issued a public warning about an unregistered firm, 'ARTX MAX APP', which it says is promoted in WhatsApp groups, cross-referencing its earlier warning about fraud through WhatsApp groups. The CNMV says the app is not authorised to provide investment services and activities under Article 129 of the Spanish Securities Markets and Investment Services Act, including foreign currency (forex) transactions.
How the scam works
The CNMV notice is a regulatory warning, not a description of how the firm approaches people or whether anyone has lost money, so none of that is claimed here. It was issued under the second paragraph of Article 18 of Spain's Securities Markets and Investment Services Act (Law 6/2023). A firm that isn't authorised can't offer regulated services in Spain, which means investors are outside the supervision and complaints routes that apply to authorised firms.
The notice is unusual in saying how the app is promoted: in WhatsApp groups, and it points to an earlier CNMV warning about fraud through WhatsApp groups. In those schemes a stranger or a group member recommends an 'investment app' and encourages others to download it and deposit money. The CNMV doesn't describe the app itself, so its behaviour isn't claimed here.
The notice says ARTX MAX APP isn't authorised to provide investment services, including foreign-currency (forex) transactions, under Article 129 of the Spanish securities law. Foreign-exchange trading apps pushed in chat groups are a common route for investment fraud, but the CNMV notice doesn't allege fraud by this app. Check a platform with the regulator before depositing money.
Source
Spain CNMV, "CNMV issues warning to the public on unregistered firm" (ARTX MAX APP), 26 October 2026.
Red flags
- An investment or forex app recommended in a WhatsApp group.
- A platform that isn't authorised by the CNMV for investment services.
- Pressure from group members to download an app or deposit money.
- No verifiable company behind the app.
- Promised returns that look unusually good.
If you were targeted
- 1Don't download or fund Artx Max App.
- 2Leave investment groups that push apps or trading tips.
- 3Check any firm on the CNMV's registers before investing.
- 4If you deposited money, contact your bank and keep records.
- 5Call the CNMV enquiry line on 900 535 015 and read its warning about fraud through WhatsApp groups.