As part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing investor protection and regulating financial markets in the digital economy era, the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) actively participated in the international campaign “Global Week of Action Against Unlawful Finfluencers.” This initiative brought together leading regulatory authorities from around the world to address the growing risks posed by unauthorized fiinfluencers on social media platforms. The campaign involved a series of coordinated actions, including public awareness initiatives, educational workshops for finfluencers, and the implementation of strict enforcement measures against violators.

This strategic collaboration underscores the UAE’s leadership in developing an advanced regulatory ecosystem that keeps pace with digital transformation, placing investor protection at the heart of its priorities. It reflects a firm commitment to adopting global best practices and fostering a trusted digital investment environment through enhanced collaboration, and cross-border regulatory alignment. 

The international campaign was held during the first week of June 2025, with the participation of prominent regulatory bodies, including: the Securities and Commodities Authority of the United Arab Emirates (SCA), the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa in Italy (CONSOB), the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC), the Autorité des marchés financiers in Quebec (QAMF), the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC), and the Securities and Futures Commission in Hong Kong (SFC).

In this context, His Excellency Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the Securities and Commodities Authority, stated: “Regulating the activities of finfluencers is no longer optional; it is an absolute necessity in light of the rapid transition to the digital economy and the mounting challenges of investor protection. The adoption of a dedicated regulatory framework for finfluencers in the UAE reflects the Authority’s strategic commitment to promoting transparency and fostering a trustworthy, forward-looking financial ecosystem that aligns with the highest international standards. This, in turn, strengthens investor confidence and ensures the protection of their rights.”

This international collaboration is driven by the growing influence of finfluencers on investor decision-making, particularly among younger audiences, and the resulting risks such as the spread of misleading information or the promotion of high-risk or unregulated financial products. Reports from the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) highlight a rising number of cases in which finfluencers fail to comply with regulatory standards. This underscores the urgent need to develop joint supervisory tools and enhance financial literacy through coordinated, cross-border oversight.

In line with its strategic vision for regulating digital markets, the UAE has solidified its position as a leading regional pioneer by launching the SCA’s first approved regulatory framework to govern the activities of finfluencers in the region. The SCA calls on all individuals engaging in financial influence activities through digital platforms or media channels to proactively register and comply with the SCA’s approved regulatory requirements, ensuring enhanced transparency and protection of investor rights.The SCA also urges the public to verify the authorization of finfluencers before engaging with them or following their recommendations, and to promptly report any unauthorized financial activities via its official website or through the call center (800722823).

The regulatory authorities participating in the campaign emphasize that investor protection and enhancing transparency in financial markets are strategic priorities that require effective international coordination and sustained cooperation among regulatory bodies worldwide. They also urge all stakeholders to maintain collaborative momentum and deepen the exchange of expertise, in order to effectively navigate the fast-evolving challenges of the digital economy and foster a secure, transparent investment environment that reinforces investor confidence and ensures market stability.