In a major policy development aimed at safeguarding online investors, the UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has rolled out a mandatory licence for individuals offering financial advice through digital or traditional media. This new regulation, announced on May 28, 2025, applies to anyone sharing investment insights on social media platforms, blogs, podcasts, public seminars, or similar forums.
As part of this initiative, the SCA has also waived all related service fees for three years to encourage early compliance and promote a well-regulated financial communication ecosystem.
What Is the Finfluencer Licence?
This newly launched certification—being called the ‘Finfluencer Licence’—serves as a formal authorization for those publicly delivering investment advice, analysis, or recommendations in the UAE. Whether the content appears in a video, tweet, blog, or during a public appearance, if it relates to financial products regulated in the UAE, the creator must now be licensed by the SCA.
Covered Content Includes:
- Suggestions to buy, sell, or hold stocks or funds
- Opinions on market trends or asset values
- Commentary on cryptocurrencies, trading platforms, or financial services
- Sharing market analysis, performance predictions, or investment strategies
Why the Change Was Necessary
The rise of digital platforms has enabled a surge of financial influencers, or “finfluencers,” whose content often reaches thousands—sometimes millions—of users. While this has democratized financial education, it also introduced risks related to misinformation, unverified data, and unregulated endorsements.
By requiring licensure, the UAE is placing a regulatory framework around these interactions to increase transparency and ensure that shared financial advice is accurate, lawful, and does not mislead the public.
Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the SCA, remarked:
“This is not merely a compliance step—it is a shift in how financial regulation must operate in the digital age. Our goal is to elevate global market standards while building public trust.”
Who Needs to Register?
Any person or business that publicly provides financial opinions or advice in the UAE will now be subject to licensing. This includes:
- YouTubers and TikTok influencers discussing market tips
- Bloggers writing about investment strategies
- Speakers at webinars or financial events
- Individuals posting finance-related opinions on forums or social platforms
Fee Waiver for Early Adopters
To facilitate a smooth transition, the SCA has eliminated registration, renewal, and legal consultation charges for the first three years. This incentive is designed to reduce friction, support smaller content creators, and encourage a culture of legal compliance within the creator economy.
This move is part of the SCA’s broader vision to align UAE’s financial sector with global best practices. As investor interest grows in emerging asset classes like crypto and IPOs, such policies aim to balance innovation with integrity.
The authority continues to advocate for responsible content creation, with an emphasis on financial literacy, investor safety, and long-term market discipline.
The launch of the finfluencer licence is a landmark step in regulating digital financial commentary. With its clear rules and supportive fee waivers, the policy not only protects investors but also uplifts the credibility of financial voices in the digital age.
