DUBAI: The UAE is tightening its grip on the digital financial landscape with a newly launched licensing initiative requiring all financial influencers — or ‘finfluencers’ — on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and other media outlets to register with the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA).

Announced last week, the regulation aims to promote content transparency, enhance public trust, and safeguard market participants from unregulated financial advice. This designation requires full compliance with regulatory standards, emphasized the SCA, reinforcing the growing responsibility of digital creators in shaping investment decisions.

The SCA clarified that licensed finfluencers can share investment analyses and offer recommendations related to approved financial instruments — but only under strict regulatory compliance. A three-year waiver on registration and renewal fees, plus access to legal advisory services, is being offered to encourage early adoption.

The SCA also urged the public to verify a finfluencer’s license status before acting on their advice. Any unauthorized activity should be reported via the authority’s website or call center. “Interactions with unauthorized individuals or entities may pose significant financial risks to investors,” said the SCA.