SCA ‘Finfluencer’ Registration Explained: Requirements, Process, and Key Obligations
As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthen investor protection and promote responsible financial communication, the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has outlined a structured procedure for obtaining a Finfluencer License. This process ensures that individuals or entities seeking to provide financial analysis, recommendations, or promotional content through digital platforms meet the Authority’s standards of professionalism and transparency. The registration procedure serves not only as a compliance measure but also as a quality assurance mechanism verifying the applicant’s credentials, assessing their influence and credibility, and formalizing their authorization to engage in regulated financial content creation within the UAE’s digital landscape.
In this article, the SALVUS Regulatory Compliance team will explore the steps and procedures for Finfluencer Registration through the following key questions:
1. What are the Conditions for Registration of Finfluencer?
2. What are the requirements and documents needed?
3. What is the Application Timeframe?
4. What are the Obligations of the Finfluencer after Registration?
5. How can SALVUS assist you?
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1. What are the Conditions for Registration of Finfluencer?
The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has set specific conditions for the registration of Finfluencers to ensure that only qualified and credible individuals are authorized to produce and share financial content within the UAE. Under this framework, a natural person may be registered as a Finfluencer if they meet one of the following conditions:
- The person shall be a financial analyst accredited by the Authority or a similar regulatory body, or hold a “Certified Financial Analyst” certificate and be independent, meaning they do not work for any entity licensed by the Authority or a similar regulatory body.
- The person shall have influence on market participants, which is measured based on one of the following criteria:
- The person shall have no fewer than 1,000 real followers.
- The person shall have at least 6 months of experience in financial or investment field.
- The person shall have repeatedly provided professional recommendations based on established criteria, studies, and analyses.
- His previous recommendations have been quoted or reproduced by third-party specialized entities such as media channels.
- Any other criteria specified by the Authority.
2. What are the requirements and documents needed?
To complete the Finfluencer registration or license application, applicants must prepare and submit several personal and professional documents demonstrating their identity, qualifications, and integrity. The following requirements and supporting materials are needed to assess eligibility and suitability for approval:
- Curriculum vitae of the applicant.
- Valid passport and residence visa copies for non-UAE citizens.
- A copy of the family book (for a UAE citizen).
- A copy of the Emirates ID card.
- University degree or professional certificate (if any).
- Work experience certificates.
- A copy of the credit report issued by Al Etihad Credit Bureau.
- A valid clean Criminal record certificate.
3. What is the Application Timeframe?
The process of obtaining registration as a Finfluencer with the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) involves a straightforward application and review procedure. Applicants must submit their complete documentation to the SCA for evaluation, after which the Authority will issue its decision and registration certificate within 5 business days.
There will be a registration fee of 5,000 AED. UAE citizens are exempted from the registration fee for a period of (3) years from the effective date of the Finfluencer regulation, which was effective on May 20, 2025.
The registration is valid for one year, ending on the last day of the calendar year, and must be renewed annually, no later than one month after its expiration date.
4. What are the Obligations of the Finfluencer after Registration?
Finfluencers registered under the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) are bound by comprehensive obligations designed to promote transparency, objectivity, and investor protection. They are required to provide clear disclosures when issuing financial recommendations, including their name, registration number, qualifications, and the identity of any collaborators involved in preparing the content. Each recommendation must distinguish between facts, opinions, and forecasts; cite reliable sources; and present balanced, up-to-date information free from bias or exaggeration. Finfluencers must also indicate the date, time, and intended audience for each recommendation, disclose whether the content relates to high-risk products, and clarify that past performance does not guarantee future results. These requirements ensure that financial communications remain accurate, comprehensible, and trustworthy for the investing public.
In addition, Finfluencers are obliged to disclose any interests or conflicts of interest that may affect their objectivity, including financial holdings, compensation received, or affiliations with issuers or licensed entities. When sharing financial recommendations prepared by third parties, they must identify the source, specify any modifications or summaries made, and ensure that such content remains transparent and accessible. Furthermore, Finfluencers must maintain complete records of all recommendations and provide supporting documents to the SCA upon request. They are also required to attend Authority-mandated training programs, uphold the Professional Code of Conduct and Ethics, and advise investors to seek professional financial consultation before acting on any recommendations. Collectively, these obligations reinforce the SCA’s mission to build a responsible, transparent, and well-regulated digital financial environment in the UAE.
5. How can SALVUS assist you?
The SALVUS Funds Licensing team brings a wealth of specialized expertise in navigating the emerging regulatory framework for Finfluencers established by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). With deep knowledge of the UAE’s financial regulatory environment and digital content standards, our team delivers tailored solutions that ensure individuals and firms meet all SCA conditions for registration, approval, and ongoing compliance.
As your strategic partner throughout the registration process, we manage the entire journey from eligibility assessment to final approval. This includes reviewing your qualifications and professional background, preparing and verifying all required documentation, coordinating communication with the SCA, and ensuring that each submission meets the Authority’s standards of accuracy, transparency, and completeness.
Beyond initial registration, the SALVUS team provides continuous compliance support to help Finfluencers maintain adherence to regulatory obligations. We assist with timely renewals, advise on content and disclosure practices, and guide you in establishing ethical communication frameworks that align with SCA expectations.
In essence, the SALVUS Funds Licensing team offers an end-to-end service that simplifies the Finfluencer registration process, minimizes regulatory risks, and empowers financial content creators to operate confidently and compliantly within the UAE’s evolving digital finance landscape.
Contact us at licensing@salvusfunds.com if you would like more information about our UAE licensing services. We are always ready to answer your questions and support you in achieving regulatory compliance.
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The information provided in this article is for general information purposes only. You should always seek professional advice suitable to your needs.