Financial advice isn’t limited to banks and brokers anymore. These days, a TikTok video or Instagram reel can move markets—or at least influence a few wallet decisions.
With that in mind, the UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has introduced the region’s first Finfluencer license, aiming to bring order to the growing world of online financial content.
This new initiative aims to build trust in digital finance, protect investors, and foster innovation—all while ensuring that financial advice comes from reliable and accountable voices.
So, what does it actually take to become a licensed Finfluencer in the UAE?
To help you navigate the process, here’s a breakdown of who can apply and what the rules are:
1. You Must Reside in the UAE
The license is only available to individuals based within the country. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a newcomer, you’ll need to be living in the UAE to apply. This ensures the content being created is relevant to local markets and falls under UAE jurisdiction.
2. Your Content Must Focus on Financial Recommendations
This isn’t a general influencer license—it’s specifically for people offering financial advice or commentary. That includes anything from stocks or virtual assets to offering insights on local investment products or financial services.
The license covers both casual creators and seasoned analysts, as long as they’re producing finance-focused content.
Plus, this license covers a wide range of activities. You might offer recommendations to buy, sell, or hold assets. Besides that, you might analyze price movements or market performance.
3. You Need to Register With the SCA
To become a licensed Finfluencer, you’ll need to formally register with the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). The process is straightforward, and the goal is to ensure transparency, not to create barriers.
Once registered, you’ll be expected to follow all relevant compliance standards. The SCA has established clear guidelines that all Finfluencers must adhere to. These help ensure that any financial information shared is accurate, balanced, and not misleading.
4. You’ll Pay Zero Fees—for Now
To encourage adoption, the SCA is waiving all fees for registration, renewal, and legal consultation tied to the license for the first three years. It’s part of a broader effort to reduce bureaucracy and support financial creativity within a clear and safe legal framework.
5. No Matter the Platform, the License Applies
Whether you post on Instagram, run a podcast, write a blog, or speak at finance events, your platform doesn’t matter—what matters is the message. The license applies across both digital and traditional media, so you can keep using your preferred channels while staying compliant with regulations.
Regulating Finfluencers
As digital finance continues to grow, so does its influence. With this new license, the SCA isn’t trying to slow things down—it’s creating a way forward that balances innovation with accountability. And whether you’re a creator or a follower, that’s something worth paying attention to.
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