The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the UAE has unveiled the region’s pioneering “Finfluencer” license, marking a significant regulatory breakthrough aimed at formalizing and supervising digital financial content creators.
This innovative licensing framework establishes clear governance for individuals providing investment analysis, financial recommendations, and promotional content across digital platforms, with a strong focus on enhancing investor protection within the UAE.
Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the SCA, commented on the initiative, stating, “The Finfluencer license goes beyond regulation—it represents a strategic shift redefining the role of regulators in the digital economy. Through this initiative, the SCA aims to raise global standards of market integrity, increase transparency, and foster a disciplined, trustworthy financial environment.
“The SCA is committed to enabling transformative change by adopting progressive regulatory models that keep pace with the rapidly evolving financial and investment landscape.”
This licensing scheme is part of a wider set of incentives by the SCA designed to modernize its regulatory framework in line with the fast-changing digital finance ecosystem.
Eligibility and Benefits of the Finfluencer License
To encourage uptake and reduce administrative hurdles, the SCA has waived registration, renewal, and legal consultation fees for three years. The license is accessible to individuals offering financial or investment advice related to regulated products or entities in the UAE, through both digital and traditional media channels.
Applicants must register with the SCA and comply fully with regulatory requirements, thereby upholding the highest standards of investor protection and reinforcing public confidence in the UAE capital markets.
A Finfluencer is defined as a registered individual who provides financial recommendations concerning buying, selling, or holding financial products or virtual assets, or who offers guidance on financial services or local resources through various communication methods—ranging from digital platforms and blogs to seminars, forums, public appearances, and any form of media statements or analyses about current or future financial values.
This broad definition also covers creators engaging audiences with content, advice, reports, opinions, or analyses on investments or specific financial products in the country.
The initiative aligns with the SCA’s strategic vision to enhance the UAE’s position as a leading regional and global financial center by embracing agile, forward-thinking regulatory approaches. The SCA remains dedicated to preserving market integrity, promoting financial literacy, and conforming to international best practices amid the fast-evolving digital financial landscape.
UAE’s Leading Role in Digital Transformation
The UAE continues to lead globally in digital transformation, securing top rankings in telecommunications infrastructure, digital government frameworks, and digital content, according to the “State of Digital Transformation Report” published by the UAE’s Higher Committee for Government Digital Transformation.
The report highlights government achievements across sectors including finance, health, education, and logistics.
UAE Minister of State for Government Development, Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, emphasized that digital transformation is central to the UAE leadership’s vision of reducing bureaucracy and enhancing citizens’ quality of life.
The UAE also ranks first worldwide in AI readiness for telecommunications infrastructure and digital knowledge, topping the 2024 Government AI Readiness Index by Oxford Insights, and ranking third in service delivery.
Notable outcomes include AED 368 billion saved by users, AED 20 billion in government cost reductions, and a 55.8 million-ton reduction in carbon emissions.
In 2024, federal entities processed 173.7 million digital transactions, and federal websites recorded 131.5 million visits, with a 91 percent satisfaction rate benefiting over 57 million users. Currently, 460 digital transformation projects are underway.
Key sector achievements include 10.8 million users of UAE Pass, 5.2 million tax transactions, and substantial digital advancements in healthcare, education, and community services. Identity and residency authorities processed millions of renewals and applications, while environmental agencies handled thousands of certificates and clearances—showcasing the UAE’s comprehensive and successful digital transformation efforts.
