A key part of that web is MiFID II, a regulatory framework that shapes how investment services communicate with clients.

For many, MiFID II is still seen as a back-office compliance issue. But in reality, its principles are central to how you design, build, and present your entire client experience. A UX team that isn’t MiFID II-aware isn’t just missing out on a trick; they’re creating potential business risk.

Here’s why your financial UX must be built with MiFID II compliance in mind.

MiFID II Redefines “Clear Communication”

A core principle of MiFID II compliance is that all communications with clients must be “fair, clear, and not misleading.” This goes beyond words in your terms and conditions; it affects the entire UX design of your platform.

Every button, tooltip, chart, and piece of microcopy contributes to the user’s understanding or confusion.

Good financial UX therefore becomes a tool for compliance. It means designing interfaces that not only look clean but actively guide users to the right information, present data unambiguously, and ensure risks are just as visible as rewards.

If your UX is confusing, it’s likely not compliant.

Read more about MiFID II’s official principles via ESMA.

MiFID II Governs How Products Are Presented

MiFID II introduced strict rules for product governance, ensuring financial products are only offered to a suitable target market. This has direct implications for UX and product flows.

Your platform’s user journey must be intelligently designed to differentiate between client types (e.g., retail vs. professional investors). It should provide clear, understandable product information, and sometimes even build friction to confirm that users have acknowledged and understood the risks before moving forward.

A great financial UX design isn’t just about making everything easy; it’s about making the right things easy for the right people.

MiFID II Demands Absolute Transparency on Costs

Another major principle of MiFID II is transparent cost disclosure. Clients must fully understand all charges, fees, and commissions linked to a financial product, and your UX plays a big role in how clearly that information is presented.

This means designing dashboards, account overviews, and transactional flows that make total costs obvious and easy to review. Well-executed UX for regulated industries turns cost transparency from a risk into a relationship-builder.

The UX-Compliance Link: A Strategic Advantage

Compliance and user experience aren’t at odds – they’re fundamentally linked.

By making your UX MiFID II-compliant, you reduce your regulatory risk while building stronger trust with clients who want clear, accurate information.

A specialist partner who understands this – whether through UX consulting or explainer video services – ensures your digital touchpoints are not just beautiful but fully aligned with compliance requirements.

Final Thoughts: Get UX and Compliance Right

Your digital experience is a compliance touch point. Treat it that way.

By making MiFID II UX design a priority, you protect your business, earn your clients’ trust, and avoid costly pitfalls – all while delivering a user journey that feels as good as it looks.

Ready to Build Trust with a MiFID II-Compliant UX? Animara Studios can help you bridge the gap between compliance, creativity, and client trust.

Book a Free Discovery Call. Let’s make your UX MiFID II-ready and user-friendly.