Latest news with #WaleedSaeedAlAwadhi
Trade Arabia
6 days ago
- Business
- Trade Arabia
UAE's SCA urges Finfluencers to register
The UAE's Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has called on all financial influencers (Finfluencers) operating across digital platforms and media channels to proactively register and obtain official authorised 'Finfluencer' status. This designation requires full compliance with regulatory standards to ensure content transparency and safeguard the rights of market participants, a Wam news agency report said. Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the SCA, stated: 'In today's rapidly evolving digital financial ecosystem, regulating Finfluencers activity has become imperative. Finfluencers play a pivotal role in shaping investor decisions. Official authorisation by the SCA underscores their commitment to professional standards and reinforces public trust in the integrity of financial content.' The SCA offers eligible individuals the opportunity to apply for authorised Finfluencer status, allowing them to share investment analyses and offer recommendations related to approved financial instruments or entities through digital or traditional media, as long as they remain in strict compliance with the SCA's standards. To further encourage adherence, the SCA is granting a three-year waiver on registration and renewal fees, along with access to legal advisory services. In parallel, the SCA urges the public to verify a Finfluencer's authorisation status before engaging with their content or acting on their recommendations. The SCA also encourages prompt reporting of any unauthorised activities via its official website or call centre, stressing that interactions with unauthorised individuals or entities may pose significant financial risks to investors. The SCA reiterates that public awareness and active engagement are the first line of defence against unreliable or unregulated financial content. To apply to become an Authorised Finfluencer recognised by the SCA, or to report non-compliant practices, interested people should visit the SCA website or call the toll-free number 800722823.
Arabian Business
6 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE calls on financial influencers to obtain licence
Financial influencers in the UAE should obtain a licence to operate on digital platforms and social media, said the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). As part of its strategic efforts to regulate digital financial markets and enhance investor protection, the SCA has called on all financial influencers (Finfluencers) operating across digital platforms and media channels to proactively register and obtain official authorised 'Finfluencer' status. This designation requires full compliance with regulatory standards to ensure content transparency and safeguard the rights of market participants. UAE finfluencer licence Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the SCA, said: 'In today's rapidly evolving digital financial ecosystem, regulating Finfluencers activity has become imperative. Finfluencers play a pivotal role in shaping investor decisions. 'Official authorisation by the SCA underscores their commitment to professional standards and reinforces public trust in the integrity of financial content.' The SCA offers eligible individuals the opportunity to apply for authorised Finfluencer status, allowing them to share investment analyses and offer recommendations related to approved financial instruments or entities through digital or traditional media, as long as they remain in strict compliance with the SCA's standards. To further encourage adherence, the SCA is granting a three-year waiver on registration and renewal fees, along with access to legal advisory services. In parallel, the SCA urges the public to verify a Finfluencer's authorisation status before engaging with their content or acting on their recommendations. The SCA also encourages prompt reporting of any unauthorised activities via its official website or call centre, stressing that interactions with unauthorised individuals or entities may pose significant financial risks to investors. The SCA reiterates that public awareness and active engagement are the first line of defence against unreliable or unregulated financial content. To apply to become an Authorised Finfluencer recognised by the SCA in the UAE, or to report non-compliant practices, the SCA advises contacting it through its website or call the toll-free number 800 722823. The initiative underpins the SCA's broader strategic vision to foster a transparent and trusted investment environment, reinforcing the UAE's global position as a leading financial hub committed to adopting best-in-class regulatory practices in the digital marketplace.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
UAE: SCA calls finfluencers to obtain official licence
As part of its strategic efforts to regulate digital financial markets and enhance investor protection, the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has called on all financial influencers (Finfluencers) operating across digital platforms and media channels to proactively register and obtain official authorized 'Finfluencer' status. This designation requires full compliance with regulatory standards to ensure content transparency and safeguard the rights of market participants. Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the SCA, stated, 'In today's rapidly evolving digital financial ecosystem, regulating Finfluencers activity has become imperative. Finfluencers play a pivotal role in shaping investor decisions. Official authorisation by the SCA underscores their commitment to professional standards and reinforces public trust in the integrity of financial content.' The SCA offers eligible individuals the opportunity to apply for authorised Finfluencer status, allowing them to share investment analyses and offer recommendations related to approved financial instruments or entities through digital or traditional media, as long as they remain in strict compliance with the SCA's standards. To further encourage adherence, the SCA is granting a three-year waiver on registration and renewal fees, along with access to legal advisory services. In parallel, the SCA urges the public to verify a Finfluencer's authorisation status before engaging with their content or acting on their recommendations. The SCA also encourages prompt reporting of any unauthorised activities via its official website or call centre, stressing that interactions with unauthorised individuals or entities may pose significant financial risks to investors. The SCA reiterates that public awareness and active engagement are the first line of defence against unreliable or unregulated financial content. To apply to become an Authorised Finfluencer recognised by the SCA, or to report non-compliant practices, please visit the SCA website or call the toll-free number 800722823. This initiative underpins the SCA's broader strategic vision to foster a transparent and trusted investment environment, reinforcing the UAE's global position as a leading financial hub committed to adopting best-in-class regulatory practices in the digital marketplace.
Arabian Business
30-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE finfluencer licensing brings ‘long overdue accountability' to social media investment advice, experts say
The United Arab Emirates has launched the region's first licensing system for finance influencers, marking a regulatory milestone that wealth managers say brings 'long overdue accountability' to social media financial content that has often put investors at risk. The UAE's Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) announced the groundbreaking 'finfluencer' licence on Wednesday, establishing a comprehensive framework for individuals offering investment analysis and recommendations across digital platforms. The move comes as regulators worldwide grapple with the growing influence of unqualified social media personalities on public investment decisions. '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,' said H.E. Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the SCA. 'Through this initiative, the SCA aspires to elevate global benchmarks of market integrity, foster transparency, and nurture a disciplined and trustworthy financial environment.' هو الشخص المسجل لدى الهيئة لتقديم توصيات مالية تتعلق بشراء أو بيع أو الاحتفاظ بمنتج مالي أو أصل افتراضي أو تقديم توصية تتعلق بخدمة مالية أو أي مصدر داخل الدولة، من خلال وسائل الإعلام التقليدية أو الحديثة كوسائل التواصل الاجتماعي المختلفة المكتوبة أو المسموعة أو غيرها أو المشاركة… — SCA UAE (@sca_uae) May 30, 2025 The regulation applies to anyone with at least 1,000 followers who provides financial recommendations related to regulated products or entities within the UAE, covering everything from social media posts to public seminars and traditional media appearances. Industry welcomes regulatory clarity Daniel George, Head of Business at St James's Place Middle East, described the licence as 'a timely and necessary move' that addresses longstanding concerns about unqualified advice circulating on social media platforms. 'It brings long overdue accountability to social media financial content, where unqualified advice has too often gone unchecked – putting investors at real risk of scams, misinformation and get-rich-fast schemes that backfire,' George told Arabian Business. The wealth management executive said the regulation validates what traditional financial firms stand for: 'trust, transparency and regulated advice.' He added that it 'resets the playing field and reinforces the value of credible, long-term and professional financial advisory in a market flooded with unverified content.' Legal experts also noted that the UAE's approach stands out for its unusually broad scope compared to existing frameworks globally. Hala Harb, a Senior Associate at Dubai-based law firm BSA, said the regulation 'applies across all media formats, not just social media, but also includes offline appearances such as public events and seminars.' Unlike other jurisdictions that typically target licensed firms, the SCA's rules extend to any individual with a notable online presence providing financial advice, regardless of their location if they target UAE audiences. 'The Finfluencer Law sets an important precedent by officially regulating individual content creators, extending rules to influential figures beyond traditional licensed financial institutions,' Harb explained. In a departure from traditional regulatory approaches, the SCA has waived all registration, renewal, and legal consultation fees for three years. This strategy aims to encourage compliance rather than create barriers to entry. However, applicants must still meet specific conditions, including being a certified financial analyst, having at least six months of finance experience, or providing consistent, credible recommendations based on analysis or third-party recognition. Harb noted that the relatively low threshold of 1,000 followers 'reflects a proactive regulatory stance' and means 'even smaller content creators need to be aware that their financial commentary could now fall under formal oversight.' Market impact and client behaviour The regulation comes as wealth managers report increasing client interest in social media-driven investment ideas. George said his firm has had 'clients walk into a meeting quoting something they've seen on Instagram or TikTok and asking if they should jump on the trend.' He welcomed this curiosity but emphasised the importance of bridging 'the gap between general content and personalised, regulated advice.' The licensing system will help introduce accountability into the discovery phase, he said. St James's Place Middle East said it is watching the space closely but will not rush into collaborations with finfluencers. 'If we do engage with finfluencers in the future, it will have to be with those who share our values: long-term thinking, client-outcome-first, and quality over hype,' George said. The initiative forms part of the UAE's broader strategy to cement its position as a leading regional and global financial hub. The SCA said the regulation demonstrates its commitment to 'safeguarding market integrity, advancing financial literacy, and aligning with international best practices.' George believes the regulatory leadership is crucial for attracting high-net-worth individuals and international business. 'HNWIs and international families want to see that a jurisdiction takes investor protection seriously. This move by the SCA sends a clear message: the UAE is not just open for business, it's serious about doing business the right way,' he explained. Enforcement challenges ahead? While industry experts welcome the framework, questions remain about enforcement, particularly for cross-border content creators. Harb said enforcing the rules across borders 'could be challenging due to jurisdictional limits, gaps in platform oversight, and the difficulties in identifying unregistered individuals.' However, she noted that individuals targeting UAE audiences 'could be subject to action, including takedown requests or platform coordination to restrict non-compliant content,' regardless of where they are based. The exact penalty amounts remain unknown due to the untested nature of the regulation. The next challenge, according to George, is 'enforcement and education – making sure both influencers and audiences understand what the licence means.'
Arabian Business
28-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE launches first ‘Finfluencer' licence to regulate digital finance content
The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has launched the region's first 'Finfluencer' licence, establishing a regulatory framework for individuals who provide investment analysis, recommendations, and financial promotions across digital platforms. The initiative aims to formalise and supervise digital financial content while enhancing investor protection in the UAE. 'Introducing the Finfluencer licence 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. The SCA positions itself as an enabler of transformative change, adopting forward-thinking regulatory models that evolve with the fast-paced dynamics of the financial and investment landscape,' Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the SCA said, according to a statement by the Emirates News Agency (WAM). SCA launches Finfluencer licence The SCA has waived registration, renewal and legal consultation fees related to this service for three years. The waiver forms part of efforts to eliminate government bureaucracy and promote financial innovation within a legal and regulatory framework. The licence applies to individuals who offer financial or investment recommendations related to regulated products or entities within the UAE through digital or traditional media. Applicants must register with the SCA and comply with all regulatory obligations to ensure investor protection standards and maintain public trust in local capital markets. A Finfluencer is defined as an individual registered with the SCA to provide financial recommendations related to the purchase, sale, or holding of a financial product or virtual asset, or to offer recommendations related to a financial service or local resource within the country. This includes recommendations made through traditional or modern media channels, such as written or audio social media platforms, participation in seminars, meetings, or forums, blogging, public appearances, or through statements, opinions, or analyses about present or future value, price, or performance. The definition also covers individuals who engage the public through content, visuals, advice, recommendations, discussions, information, analyses, opinions, or reports related to financial investments or financial products within the country. The initiative forms part of the SCA's strategy to position the UAE as a leading regional and global financial hub. The regulator has adopted regulatory approaches designed to safeguard market integrity, advance financial literacy, and align with international best practices in the digital financial landscape.
