The United Arab Emirates has introduced a new licensing
requirement for individuals who create financial content online. The Securities
and Commodities Authority (SCA) has launched what it calls a “finfluencer”
licence. This is the first licence of its kind in the region.
The licence is aimed at influencers who offer investment
advice, market analysis, or financial promotions through digital channels. This
includes social media, blogs, YouTube, podcasts, and webinars. It also applies
to in-person events, Khaleej Times reported.
According to the SCA, the goal is to improve transparency
and protect investors. The agency wants to ensure that financial content shared
online is accurate, responsible, and legally compliant.
Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the SCA, said: “This is
a strategic step to reshape how regulators operate in the digital economy.”
“SCA aspires to elevate global benchmarks of market
integrity, foster transparency, and nurture a disciplined and trustworthy
financial environment. The SCA positions itself as enablers of transformative
change, adopting forward-thinking regulatory models that evolve with the
fast-paced dynamics of the financial and investment landscape.”
The licence applies to anyone in the UAE offering
recommendations on buying or selling financial products. It also covers content
about virtual assets, trading platforms, or investment services. Individuals
who share financial analysis or forecasts must also be licensed.
#influencers who create content on #investments, #trading, or #financial advice in the #UAE are now required to apply for a licence.
The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) recently announced the launch of this new ‘influencer’ licence, the first of its kind in the… pic.twitter.com/xqvjrUjjpg
— Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) May 28, 2025
You may find it interesting at FinanceMagnates.com: FCA
Warns Tech Firms Not Doing Enough to Stop Illegal Forex Finfluencers.
Finfluencers Face Rules, But No Fees
To support the rollout, the SCA has waived all registration,
renewal, and legal consultation fees for the next three years. This move is
expected to make the process easier for content creators. Finfluencers who
register must follow regulatory guidelines set by the SCA.
Studies Highlight Finfluencer Risks
A Barclays study found that 51%
of UK investors who use social media for financial advice do not
consistently verify the credibility of finfluencers, potentially exposing
themselves to risks.
The survey of over 2,000 adults highlighted a notable shift
toward platforms such as TikTok and Facebook, especially among Gen Z. While
social media increases access to investment information, many users may face
poor decisions or scams due to a lack of due diligence.
A separate BaFin study from May 2024 shows that younger
investors in Germany, aged
18 to 45, are increasingly turning to social media, particularly YouTube
and Instagram—for financial guidance. More than half of Millennials and Gen Z
respondents consider social media a valid alternative to traditional advice.
These users tend to diversify their portfolios more,
especially into cryptocurrencies. Finfluencers have significant influence,
though many followers remain unaware that these influencers often receive
compensation for their recommendations.
The United Arab Emirates has introduced a new licensing
requirement for individuals who create financial content online. The Securities
and Commodities Authority (SCA) has launched what it calls a “finfluencer”
licence. This is the first licence of its kind in the region.
The licence is aimed at influencers who offer investment
advice, market analysis, or financial promotions through digital channels. This
includes social media, blogs, YouTube, podcasts, and webinars. It also applies
to in-person events, Khaleej Times reported.
According to the SCA, the goal is to improve transparency
and protect investors. The agency wants to ensure that financial content shared
online is accurate, responsible, and legally compliant.
Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the SCA, said: “This is
a strategic step to reshape how regulators operate in the digital economy.”
“SCA aspires to elevate global benchmarks of market
integrity, foster transparency, and nurture a disciplined and trustworthy
financial environment. The SCA positions itself as enablers of transformative
change, adopting forward-thinking regulatory models that evolve with the
fast-paced dynamics of the financial and investment landscape.”
The licence applies to anyone in the UAE offering
recommendations on buying or selling financial products. It also covers content
about virtual assets, trading platforms, or investment services. Individuals
who share financial analysis or forecasts must also be licensed.
#influencers who create content on #investments, #trading, or #financial advice in the #UAE are now required to apply for a licence.
The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) recently announced the launch of this new ‘influencer’ licence, the first of its kind in the… pic.twitter.com/xqvjrUjjpg
— Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) May 28, 2025
You may find it interesting at FinanceMagnates.com: FCA
Warns Tech Firms Not Doing Enough to Stop Illegal Forex Finfluencers.
Finfluencers Face Rules, But No Fees
To support the rollout, the SCA has waived all registration,
renewal, and legal consultation fees for the next three years. This move is
expected to make the process easier for content creators. Finfluencers who
register must follow regulatory guidelines set by the SCA.
Studies Highlight Finfluencer Risks
A Barclays study found that 51%
of UK investors who use social media for financial advice do not
consistently verify the credibility of finfluencers, potentially exposing
themselves to risks.
The survey of over 2,000 adults highlighted a notable shift
toward platforms such as TikTok and Facebook, especially among Gen Z. While
social media increases access to investment information, many users may face
poor decisions or scams due to a lack of due diligence.
A separate BaFin study from May 2024 shows that younger
investors in Germany, aged
18 to 45, are increasingly turning to social media, particularly YouTube
and Instagram—for financial guidance. More than half of Millennials and Gen Z
respondents consider social media a valid alternative to traditional advice.
These users tend to diversify their portfolios more,
especially into cryptocurrencies. Finfluencers have significant influence,
though many followers remain unaware that these influencers often receive
compensation for their recommendations.
