The UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has issued a directive requiring all financial influencers—commonly known as ‘finfluencers’—to proactively register for a new licensing system. The move is part of a broader regulatory framework designed to enhance transparency and protect investor interests in the increasingly popular world of online financial advice and investment promotions.
Individuals and organisations who use digital platforms to market investment goods, offer financial advice, or advise on securities must now obtain a SCA licence. This includes influencers from social media, blogs, YouTube, podcasts, and other online platforms. Failure to register could result in legal action, fines, or a permanent ban on financial content creation within the UAE.
The licensing system ensures that financial content is accurate, ethical, and free from manipulation, reducing the risks of misleading or unqualified advice that could harm retail investors. It also provides a formal channel for the SCA to monitor activity and hold finfluencers accountable under federal financial regulations.
As the UAE establishes itself as a regulated fintech and investment hub, this effort demonstrates its commitment to investor education, financial literacy, and digital accountability. Finfluencers are now being asked to comply with the law, since doing so will not only legitimise their content but also increase confidence among their followers and financial partners.
