The UAE has introduced a groundbreaking licensing requirement for social media influencers and digital content creators who offer financial advice or investment recommendations online. The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) unveiled the new “finfluencer” license — the first regulatory measure of its kind in the region — in a move to increase transparency and accountability in digital financial communications.

Under the new guidelines, individuals creating content around investments, trading, or financial recommendations via social media platforms, blogs, YouTube channels, podcasts, webinars, or in-person events are now required to obtain this license. The initiative targets influencers who discuss regulated financial products or services available in the UAE, such as stocks, virtual assets, trading platforms, and related investment advice.

To encourage content creators to comply and ease the regulatory process, the SCA has waived registration, renewal, and legal consultation fees for this license over the next three years. The move is expected to reduce administrative hurdles and foster innovation within a robust legal framework, allowing digital financial content to flourish responsibly.

“This is more than just regulation — it’s a strategic step to reshape how regulators operate in the digital economy,” said Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the SCA. He highlighted that the initiative aims to enhance market integrity, foster transparency, and create a trusted environment for investors. “By adopting forward-thinking regulatory models, the SCA is positioning itself as an enabler of transformative change in finance”.

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Licensed influencers must adhere to strict regulatory standards designed to ensure the accuracy, fairness, and responsibility of their content. Advice that now requires licensing includes recommendations on buying or selling financial products, forecasting asset values, creating financial reports, and offering analysis on regulated investments.

This licensing framework is part of the SCA’s broader efforts to support the UAE’s rapid growth as a global financial hub. By modernizing regulation to align with evolving consumer habits and digital platforms, the SCA aims to protect investors and promote financial literacy, while facilitating innovation in a fast-changing market.