In a bold step toward modernizing financial regulation, the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has launched the region’s first “Finfluencer” licence — a pioneering move that aims to bring structure, accountability, and trust to digital financial content.
As the financial world continues to move online, influencers offering investment advice and market analysis have gained serious traction. Now, with this new licence, the UAE is taking the lead in regulating how financial content is created and shared across digital platforms.
What is the Finfluencer Licence?
A Finfluencer is someone who provides financial advice or investment recommendations through digital or traditional media. Think YouTubers, finance bloggers, or TikTok personalities discussing stocks, crypto, or savings tips.
Under this initiative, these individuals must now:
- ✅ Register with the SCA
- ✅ Comply with strict regulatory standards
- ✅ Focus on protecting investor interests
- ✅ Ensure content accuracy and transparency
This move is part of a broader effort to boost market integrity and enhance public trust in the UAE’s financial sector.
A Word from the SCA
Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the SCA, highlighted the strategic nature of this licence:
“Introducing the Finfluencer licence is not just about regulation — it’s about reshaping how we engage with the digital economy. We aim to raise global standards of transparency and foster a trustworthy financial environment.”
He emphasized that this is part of the SCA’s larger goal to act as an enabler of innovation while ensuring that investor protection remains front and center.
Incentives for Early Adopters
In a move to encourage responsible financial content creation, the SCA has:
Waived registration, renewal, and legal consultation fees for the next three years.
This incentive reflects the UAE’s ongoing commitment to cutting red tape and supporting innovation in digital finance, all while ensuring compliance with a solid legal framework.
Who Needs This Licence?
The licence is required for anyone offering:
- Advice on buying, selling, or holding financial products
- Opinions on virtual assets or regulated financial services
- Market analyses, predictions, or financial commentaries
- Content through social media, blogs, seminars, podcasts, or public appearances
Essentially, if you’re engaging an audience with financial content in the UAE, and especially if that content influences investment decisions, this licence is for you.
Why does this license matter?
This initiative is a regional first, and it underscores the UAE’s ambition to lead globally in fintech governance. By establishing this framework, the SCA is:
- Protecting investors
- Promoting financial literacy
- Positioning the UAE as a global financial hub
- Aligning with international best practices
In today’s fast-moving digital finance landscape, regulating content is just as critical as regulating financial institutions—and the UAE is showing how it’s done.