Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Influencers who provide financial or investment advice in the UAE must now obtain a licence under a new regulation introduced by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). The landmark initiative—launched in May—is the first of its kind in the region and aims to regulate financial content on digital platforms while protecting investors from misinformation and fraud. The licence is now mandatory for any individual or entity producing financial content in the UAE through social media, podcasts, YouTube videos, blogs, webinars, or in-person events. The move comes amid growing concerns about the unchecked influence of social media figures on retail investors. "This is a strategic step to reshape how regulators operate in the digital economy," said Waleed Saeed Al Awadhi, CEO of the SCA. "SCA aspires to elevate global benchmarks of market integrity, foster transparency, and nurture a disciplined and trustworthy financial environment." The SCA is waiving all registration, renewal, and legal consultation fees for the licence until 2027 to encourage early compliance.

What kind of influencers need a licence?

According to the SCA, anyone who does the following in the UAE must be licensed: • Shares advice on buying or selling stocks, virtual assets, or financial products • Offers forecasts or opinions on investments • Posts analysis or recommendations on investment platforms • Promotes trading platforms or services in a financial capacity Once licensed, finfluencers are expected to follow strict guidelines to ensure accuracy, transparency, and accountability in their content.

Meet the UAE’s first 10 licensed financial influencers

In a move towards greater transparency, the SCA has released the first official list of registered "finfluencers" permitted to legally promote financial content in the UAE: 1. Abdallah Almansoori Independent analyst An experienced financial analyst in the UAE, Almansoori offers investment insights through various platforms and is known for his independent commentary. 2. Abdulkareem Mohamed Ahmed Abdulkareem Almansoori – @theabdulkreem Private fund founder A former recipient of the prestigious Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholars Program, Almansoori is active in UAE’s private investment sector. 3. Mansour Mohammed Alderei – @Trendzpodcast Podcast host, entrepreneur Founder of Madrasat Al Istithmar, one of the most popular investment podcasts in the GCC, offering practical entrepreneurship and investment advice. 4. Mohammad Abdulla Yousuf Al Qemzi Independent analyst Based in the UAE, Al Qemzi delivers local investment perspectives and financial commentary through independent channels. 5. Mohammed Al Hattawi – @3ma7 Media and communications expert Al Attawi is a director at Rees International and a prominent voice in financial storytelling. He is also involved in projects like Dewn and Signature Plates. 6. Muhammad Omar Alamer – LinkedIn: Muhammad Alamer Private wealth specialist With 17 years in UAE banking, Alamer serves high-net-worth clients and advises on complex financial strategies. 7. Muhannad Hassan Khalfan Hassan Alteneiji – @muhannad.alteneiji Fintech entrepreneur Founder of Matrix and one of the most-followed UAE finfluencers, Alteneiji blends tech innovation with financial education. 8. Saif Yousif Khamis Abdulla Al Naqbi – @Saifsyn Investor, ex-banker, CEO A former diplomat and CEO of Saif Al Naqbi Group, Al Naqbi provides global market analysis and financial guidance to his 193,000 followers. 9. Sulaiman Rashid Al Kharusi – @alkharusi.87 Content creator & educator Well-known for promoting Burashid Trading (BR Trading), Al Kharusi educates aspiring traders through online courses. 10. Ziad Qaimari – @ziadaq Capital markets expert Former Head of Equity Capital Markets and fund manager, Qaimari is a seasoned financial analyst and commentator. The SCA reiterated that the licence is not just a regulatory tool, but part of a broader vision for financial literacy and digital governance. "The SCA positions itself as an enabler of transformative change," Al Awadhi added. "Our goal is to evolve with the fast-paced dynamics of the financial and investment landscape." The public is advised to check the SCA's Open Data section on its official website for an up-to-date list of licensed finfluencers before acting on financial advice online. ICA/Expat Media
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