If you're an influencer in the UAE promoting financial content online, you might be just one post away from a serious penalty. The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has rolled out strict licensing rules for "finfluencers" — individuals offering financial advice or promotion on social media without proper authorization.
Why Is This Happening?
The UAE government is taking strong action to protect investors and ensure financial content meets professional and ethical standards. With growing concerns about misinformation and unqualified advice spreading on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, regulators now require that anyone giving financial advice or advertising investment products must be licensed.
To support the transition, the SCA has waived license registration and renewal fees for three years — but that doesn’t mean enforcement will wait. Penalties are already being implemented, especially in Abu Dhabi.
What Counts as Financial Influence?
If you're doing any of the following, this new regulation applies to you:
- Promoting stock market tips or investment products
- Creating content about forex, crypto, or real estate investments
- Advertising financial platforms or trading apps
- Giving money-saving, budgeting, or wealth-building advice tied to products
Even if you’re not calling yourself a financial advisor, if your content influences people’s financial decisions, it could fall under SCA scrutiny.
Abu Dhabi's Extra Measures
In addition to the SCA license, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development (ADDED) requires all influencers and agencies providing digital marketing or advertising services to also get a separate local license. Fines for non-compliance start at AED 3,000 and go up to AED 10,000 — and that’s not counting any civil claims from misled users.
The ADDED license costs:
- AED 1,250 for individuals
- AED 5,000 for companies
Also important: Holding a UAE Media Council permit is not enough. You must hold the relevant local license too.
Real Risk: Penalties, Lawsuits, and Business Closure
Failing to comply doesn’t just result in government fines. You could face:
- Public complaints
- Account suspension
- Loss of brand deals
- Civil lawsuits from misinformed followers or partners
And if you operate under a company structure, ADDED can suspend or shut your license altogether.
What Should Influencers and Agencies Do?
- Immediately apply for a finfluencer license from SCA if your content involves financial topics
- Apply for an ADDED media license if you’re based in Abu Dhabi
- Reassess ongoing brand deals — ensure companies hiring you also understand the legal requirements
- Avoid giving investment "advice" unless you’re professionally certified and licensed
Conclusion
The UAE is sending a strong message: Financial advice is not a content trend — it’s a regulated service. If you're an influencer or business operating in this space, compliance isn't optional anymore.
Don’t risk a fine or business ban.
Act now — get licensed, stay transparent, and protect your future in the UAE’s digital economy. Read: Khaleej Times
Apply for the Finfluencer License
To apply for the UAE's Finfluencer License, please visit the Securities and Commodities Authority's (SCA) official website:
On the homepage, navigate to the "SCA Services" section to access the application portal. The SCA has waived all registration, renewal, and legal consultation fees associated with the Finfluencer License for a period of three years to encourage compliance and ease the transition for content creators.
For a comprehensive overview of the Finfluencer License, including eligibility criteria and regulatory requirements, refer to the SCA's official announcement:
🔗 SCA Launches Region's First Finfluencer License
Should you require assistance with the application process or have further inquiries, consider consulting with regulatory compliance experts or legal advisors specializing in UAE financial regulations.
Real Incidents Highlighting the Need for Regulation
The introduction of the Finfluencer License is a response to numerous financial scams that have impacted investors in the UAE. One notable case involves BlueChip, a company that promised investors a 3% monthly return on a minimum investment of $10,000. The company halted payouts, and its owner, Ravinder Soni, along with the entire staff, disappeared, leaving investors in the lurch.Khaleej Times
Another incident involved fraudsters impersonating the licensed UAE-based global broker, Equiti. Investors, including prominent figures like Dubai celebrity Lojain Omran, reportedly fell victim to the scam, losing significant amounts of money Read: Khaleej Times
These cases underscore the importance of regulatory oversight in the financial sector to protect investors from fraudulent schemes.
For more detailed information on these incidents, refer to the following articles:
- UAE: Investors left in lurch as company owner, staff 'disappear' with millions
- UAE: Fraudsters impersonate major broker Equiti, scam investors out of millions of dirhamsKhaleej Times+3Khaleej Times+3Khaleej Times+3Khaleej Times+1Khaleej Times+1
