• First-of-its-kind Finfluencer license launched in the region
• UAE takes lead in regulating digital financial content
• Three-year fee exemption to encourage responsible innovation
The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has officially launched the “Finfluencer License”, the first of its kind in the region, as part of a strategic initiative to regulate digital financial content and govern the activities of financial influencers providing investment analyses, recommendations, and marketing across digital platforms.
According to the official press release, this move aims to enhance investor protection in the UAE’s financial markets and ensure a transparent, disciplined financial environment.
H.E. Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the SCA, stated:
“The launch of the Finfluencer License is not merely a regulatory measure, but a strategic step to redefine the role of regulators in the era of the digital economy.”
He added:
“Through this initiative, the Authority aims to elevate global standards of market integrity, boost transparency, and foster a disciplined and trustworthy financial ecosystem. We believe our role as a regulatory body includes driving change and delivering transformational economic impact by adopting innovative regulatory frameworks aligned with the rapid evolution of finance and investment.”
As part of a broader package of incentives, the SCA has waived registration and renewal fees, as well as legal advisory fees for the license for a period of three years, in a move to promote digital financial innovation while minimizing bureaucratic barriers.
Residents in the UAE can now apply for the Finfluencer License, which authorizes them to offer financial or investment recommendations related to licensed products or companies through traditional or digital media—provided they register with the Authority and comply fully with the approved regulatory requirements to ensure investor safety and public confidence.
According to the SCA’s definition, a Finfluencer is:
“An individual registered with the Authority to provide financial advice or recommendations related to the buying, selling, or holding of financial products or virtual assets, or financial services sourced within the country—through traditional or modern media including social media platforms, blogs, podcasts, public forums, or by making public appearances or publishing content involving analysis, price projections, opinions, or reports on financial investments or products in the UAE.”
This initiative aligns with the SCA’s strategic vision to enhance the competitiveness of the UAE’s financial markets, offering a safe and transparent investment environment that reflects global best practices. It further positions the UAE as a regional and global financial hub by embracing innovative regulatory tools suited to the evolving digital economy.
العربية (Arabic) To read the article in Arabic, click here
