UAE’s New Finfluencer License – Regulating Financial Advice in the Digital Era

The world of financial content in the UAE is about to change. With the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) introducing the region’s first dedicated “Finfluencer” license, offering investment advice online is no longer an informal activity — it’s a regulated profession. Whether you’re an established finance creator or someone who occasionally shares market insights, these new rules set the framework for transparency, investor protection, and professional credibility in the digital finance space.

Anyone offering financial advice or investment recommendations in the UAE, on any platform – from Instagram and YouTube to blogs and podcasts – must now be licensed by the SCA and registered as a “Finfluencer.”

Why This Matters?

This is a crucial step by the UAE government to curtail financial fraud, weed out misleading promotions, and ensure that advisors provide unbiased recommendations. It gives investors a level playing field, ensuring they receive clear, fact-based, and transparent guidance to make informed decisions.

For creators, it’s an opportunity to elevate their credibility, gain public trust, and operate on the right side of the law. For investors, it’s a safeguard that ensures the advice they receive is informed, transparent, and accountable.

Who Needs to Apply?

Under the new rules, every individual providing financial recommendations related to:

• The purchase, sale, or holding of a financial product or virtual asset

• Offering recommendations related to a financial service in the UAE

• Having atleast 1,000 followers, must be registered with the SCA.

• All platforms where the financial content will be posted must also be disclosed to the authority.

  
  

What Falls Under Financial Content?

This includes –

-        Content

-        Visuals

-        Advice

-        Recommendations

-        Discussions

-        Information

-        Analyses

-        Opinions

-        Reports

related to financial investments or specific financial products.

Even market commentary, reaction videos to economic news, or comparative reviews of financial services may be covered - if they influence investment decisions.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted via the SCA’s official email ID and should include:

–       proof of financial qualifications

–       a record of previous content

–       a list of all intended platforms

–       an undertaking to follow the SCA’s professional code of conduct.

Licences are valid for one year and must be renewed before expiry, with renewal applications demonstrating ongoing compliance and updated credentials where applicable.

Ongoing Obligations for Licensed Finfluencers

Applicants must have relevant financial qualifications and a strong online presence. Once licensed, Finfluencers must:

• Display their license number and credentials in all posted content across all platforms

• Clearly distinguish between facts, statistics, opinion, forecasts, and predictions

• Disclose all sources relied upon for content

• Declare any relationship or stake in a financial institution being promoted

• Clearly identify advertising and sponsored events

• Mention any previous recommendations made within the past 12 months on the same product

• Disclose the qualification of any co-contributor participating in the recommendation

• Avoid guaranteeing profits, spreading unverified rumours, or promoting unlicensed financial products in the UAE

• Maintain proper records of all published financial content, supporting research, and related correspondence for a period of five (5) years as prescribed by the SCA to enable audits.

  
  

The SCA also has the authority to actively monitor published content, request clarifications, and require corrections or removals if material is found to be misleading or in breach of regulations. Breaching the Finfluencer regulations can result in financial penalties, suspension or cancellation of the licence, and in serious cases, legal proceedings under UAE law.

How Can Mitraa Help?

Mitraa can assist you in registering with the SCA to obtain your Finfluencer License in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Our services ensure a smooth and efficient process, allowing you to focus on your financial influencer activities while we handle the necessary paperwork and procedures.

• Guidance through the registration process with the SCA.

• Preparation of required documentation.

• Expert advice on compliance and regulations.

• Support in navigating local laws and requirements.

  
  

Benefits of Obtaining a Finfluencer License

• Legitimizes your financial advisory services.

• Enhances credibility with your audience.

• Provides access to a wider range of opportunities.

• Ensures compliance with local regulations.

Contact Mitraa today to start your journey towards becoming a licensed Finfluencer in the UAE.