In 2024, the UAE introduced a new regulation and concept for their labor market – “finfluencers”. This regulation established a new licence, launched in 2025. In this article, we'll explain who these finfluencers are, when you might need to obtain this licence, and other important details about this regulation.

What are finfluencers at all?
Who needs the Finfluencer licence?
Why the new licence matters
How to obtain Finfluencer licence
Navigating post-license obligations

What are finfluencers at all?

A finfluencer is a social media personality who provides financial advice or discusses money and investments online. While many people trust these digital opinion leaders and follow their recommendations, this can be particularly risky when it comes to financial matters. Following incorrect advice from someone you don't personally know could result in significant financial losses — potentially ranging from hundreds to millions of dirhams.

To maintain its reputation as a secure investment and business destination, the UAE has implemented new regulations to protect investors from potential risks. If you plan to create finance-related content with tips and advice in the UAE, you'll need to obtain a special license issued by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA).

Introducing the Finfluencer license is not merely a regulatory measure; it is a strategic move to redefine the role of regulators in the digital economy. Through this initiative, the SCA aspires to elevate global benchmarks of market integrity, foster transparency, and nurture a disciplined and trustworthy financial environment.

— Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, SEO of SCA

Who needs the Finfluencer licence?

Influencers who talk about finance need a new license, no matter what kind of content they post or which platform they use, for example:

You make videos, blog posts, or social media content giving financial advice or reviews for followers in the UAE.
You discuss or promote financial products like investment funds, cryptocurrencies, loans, or savings apps.
You create content that is sponsored by brands or viewers and focuses on financial matters.

Note: Even if you're based outside the UAE, you'll still need a license if your content is targeting UAE residents or in Arabic for the UAE audience.

So, regular influencers who just talk about lifestyle, food or travel don't need a finfluencer license. And if you give personal finance advice to friends and family in private chats, you don't need a new license either.

Obtaining a freelancer's license is a common requirement for self-employed professionals in the UAE. While the process may appear straightforward, there are numerous important details to consider during your application. For first-time freelancers in the UAE, we strongly recommend consulting with experienced professionals (like us😎) to ensure you complete the process correctly and select the most advantageous option for your specific situation.

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The SCA has temporarily waived registration, renewal, and legal consultation fees for this service for the next three years (starting from July 2025).

Why the new licence matters

The government wants to formalize and regulate digital finance and create a clear framework for people who provide investment analysis, advice, and other finance information online. It can be really handy for some reasons:

Investor protection and transparency

The license ensures that anyone providing advice or commenting on regulated assets (stocks, financial services, etc.) must follow the same compliance rules as those for traditional ones.

Stopping the spread of false information

The SCA's move is in response to growing concerns about unregulated social media influencers who might be giving wrong advice to their followers. Research from other countries shows that a lot of retail investors use social media for investment decisions, and sometimes it can sometimes have negative effects.

By making a license mandatory, the UAE wants to:

Reduce dangerous or fake financial advice online.
Make sure that content creators are held accountable for the information they share.
Increase the public's confidence in online financial discussions
Make the UAE’s digital economy and financial sector safer for everyone.

This is part of the UAE's overall strategy to lead in innovation and keep people safe. As digital opportunities grow, financial literacy and safe investing are becoming more and more important.

How to obtain Finfluencer licence

To obtain a new license you will need to register with the SCA online or by phone 800722823 (a free call). If you want to make sure you get all the paperwork right, or if you just want to save some time, why not give us a call? We can help you get a new license or any other permits you might need.

Let's discuss your specific needs and find a tailored solution that works for you.

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Navigating post-license obligations

Ready to put your Finfluencer license to work? Great! While monetizing your content is exciting, you'll encounter some legal requirements along the way that might feel a bit overwhelming at first. Think regular reporting, tax filings, and content guidelines – it's quite a bit to keep track of. That's where we come in. At movingo, we'll handle all those administrative headaches – from visas and taxes to compliance paperwork – so you can pour your energy into what you love: creating amazing content and building your audience. Let us tackle the paperwork while you focus on growing your influence 💁🏻‍♀️

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