The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the United Arab Emirates has launched the finfluencer license to oversee and manage the promotion of digital financial content within the country.
The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has introduced what it describes as the Middle East’s inaugural “Finfluencer” license—an initiative intended to regulate and structure digital financial content throughout the United Arab Emirates. The effort seeks to create a transparent governance system for individuals delivering investment insights, financial recommendations, and promotional content on online platforms.
H.E. Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, the Chief Executive Officer of the SCA, highlighted the strategic significance of the initiative. He noted that the launch of the Finfluencer license goes beyond standard regulatory action, describing it as a pivotal step toward reshaping the responsibilities of regulatory bodies within the evolving digital economy.
Rethinking the Role of Regulators in the Digital Financial Era
As per the SCA executive, the authority aims to raise international standards of market transparency while cultivating a well-regulated and dependable financial ecosystem. He further mentioned that the SCA positions itself as a catalyst for transformative progress by implementing “forward-looking” regulatory frameworks that adapt alongside the shifting financial and investment environment.
A statement issued by the regulator mentioned that individuals offering financial or investment advice related to regulated entities or products within the UAE—via either digital platforms or conventional media—can now apply for the newly introduced license.
To qualify, applicants are required to register with the SCA and comply with all relevant regulatory standards. This measure aims to uphold strong investor safeguards and enhance public confidence in the UAE’s capital markets.
The decision by the UAE regulator to bring finfluencers under regulation follows a surge in social media personalities sharing financial tips, insights, and suggestions online. These finfluencers often command audiences much larger than those of conventional financial advisors. However, many do so without formal credentials, professional background, or regulatory supervision—raising serious concerns about the spread of inaccurate, deceptive, or potentially damaging financial guidance.
A report by Coinwire revealed that nearly 39% of investors who followed advice from memecoin-promoting influencers on X—those with over 200,000 followers—incurred losses within a week, with 89% experiencing negative returns after three months. In light of this, and to safeguard investors in the UAE, the SCA has introduced a mandate requiring finfluencers who provide guidance on buying, selling, or holding financial products or digital assets to officially register with the authority.
The regulation also extends to individuals who interact with the public through posts, visuals, guidance, suggestions, or discussions concerning financial investments or particular financial instruments within the UAE.
 of the United Arab Emirates has launched the finfluencer license to oversee and manage the promotion of digital financial content within the country.){kind=link}