ABU DHABI – The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has launched the region’s first “Finfluencer” license, marking a pioneering step in the regulation of digital financial content creators. This initiative is part of a broader set of incentives aimed at aligning the SCA’s regulatory framework with the dynamic evolution of the digital finance sector.
Designed to provide a clear and structured governance model, the new license regulates individuals offering investment analysis, financial recommendations, and promotional content across digital and traditional platforms. The initiative seeks to bolster investor protection, enhance transparency, and promote market discipline across the UAE.
Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the SCA, emphasized the strategic nature of this move:
“The Finfluencer license is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s a proactive strategy to reshape the regulator’s role in today’s digital economy. With this step, we aim to raise global standards in market integrity and foster a trustworthy financial ecosystem built on transparency and accountability.”
To further support innovation and reduce bureaucratic barriers, the SCA has waived registration, renewal, and legal consultation fees for this license for a period of three years. This measure complements the UAE’s broader efforts to streamline government procedures and encourage financial innovation within a sound regulatory framework.
The license is open to individuals who share financial or investment advice on regulated products or services within the UAE, whether via digital channels or traditional media. Applicants must register with the SCA and adhere to relevant compliance and regulatory standards, ensuring investor trust and protection.
A Finfluencer, as defined by the SCA, is a registered individual providing insights, recommendations, or commentary on the buying, selling, or holding of financial products or virtual assets. This includes delivering opinions or analyses about current or future value, price, or market performance through various media formats—ranging from social media posts and blogs to public appearances, seminars, and reports.
The license also covers those who engage the public with visual, written, or spoken content that relates to financial investments or specific financial instruments within the country.
This initiative reflects the SCA’s strategic commitment to positioning the UAE as a top-tier regional and global financial hub. By adopting innovative and adaptive regulatory approaches, the SCA continues to safeguard market integrity, promote financial literacy, and align its practices with global standards in a rapidly evolving digital finance landscape.