UAE: First finfluencers hail new licence, say will reduce misinformation

Regulating financial advice given on social media will help reduce misinformation, UAE's first finfluencers said to Khaleej Times days after the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) licensed them. The region's first finfluencer license aims to regulate digital financial content.
The initiative seeks to establish a governance framework for individuals offering investment analysis, recommendations, and financial promotions across digital platforms.
On June 3, the SCA published its first list of 10 licensed finfluencers authorised to create financial content in the country. Many of these individuals come from backgrounds in banking, law, or finance, leveraging their expertise to educate the public and inspire informed financial decisions.
Muhammad Alamer, one of the ten finfluencers listed by the SCA, noted that financial content in the UAE has significantly blossomed in recent years. 'In recent years, financial content in the UAE has matured significantly, driven by increased investor education, regulatory enhancements, and the growing presence of specialised professionals,' he stated, emphasising a shift toward prioritising quality over quantity, with a focus on credibility and actionable insights.
On the SCA finfluencer license, Muhammad remarked that it would help reduce misinformation. 'This regulation will enhance trustworthiness, encourage professional standards, and ultimately benefit investors and the broader financial community,' he added. 'This regulatory initiative is expected to promote higher professionalism and mitigate misinformation, positively shaping the UAE's financial advisory landscape toward greater transparency and investor protection.'
As a private wealth specialist, trader, and investor with 17 years of experience in UAE banks, his journey into financial advisory stemmed from a deep interest in understanding market dynamics and leveraging technology to enhance decision-making processes, particularly through advanced analytical tools and artificial intelligence. He works closely with ultra-high-net-worth individuals to grow and preserve their wealth, sharing insights through his LinkedIn platform.
Mohammed Al Hattawi, another finfluencer listed by the SCA, entered the field of financial content out of passion. He emphasised the significance of the SCA's licensing decision, describing it as a crucial and timely measure that enhances credibility and ensures that those providing financial content are held to both legal and moral standards. 'The license boosts credibility, as it is issued by an official government agency, instilling greater confidence among followers. I appreciate the rigorous requirements for obtaining it, as they ensure that influencers are qualified and trustworthy.'
He stated, 'I began my journey in financial content because of my lifelong passion for investing and my realisation that many people needed accurate information, free from misinformation.' The SCA's initiative aims to enhance transparency, trust, and regulation in the rapidly expanding world of financial content. 'My love for the field and my desire to be a trusted source of clear information motivated me to become a finfluencer,' he explained.
'As a financial influencer, my role extends beyond merely sharing information; I aim to inspire people to think critically about their financial decisions, basing them on understanding rather than emotion.' With a background in law and currently pursuing a PhD in Political Science and Economics, he observed that financial content in the UAE has evolved from basic concepts to a truly informed community.
Industry experts have also welcomed this decision. While not a finfluencer himself, Ali Abuamriyeh, a Forensic Accounting & Financial Litigation Advisor, stated, 'The UAE's finfluencer license is a timely regulatory step that introduces structure, accountability, and transparency to the fast-growing digital financial content space, particularly in high-risk areas like cryptocurrency and speculative assets.'
He believes this move aligns with the UAE's broader efforts to establish a resilient and well-regulated financial ecosystem. 'Similar to licensed investment advisors, finfluencers will now be required to meet clear standards. They must disclose their identity, credentials, affiliations, and the basis of their advice, ensuring that content is based on fact rather than hype or emotional persuasion.'
From a forensic and litigation perspective, he highlights several key benefits: Transparency is enhanced through mandatory disclosures, providing a clearer view of a finfluencer's intentions and interests. Legal accountability is reinforced, as oversight from the SCA introduces an enforcement mechanism to deter irresponsible or deceptive advice. Additionally, licensing requirements create a digital audit trail, improving the quality and admissibility of content in legal investigations.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Gulf Today

an hour ago

• Gulf Today

UAE, Canada leaders explore ways to boost bilateral ties

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, during his working visit to Canada. During the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah discussed the close friendship between the UAE and Canada, explored frameworks for cooperation, and ways to enhance it in a manner that serves mutual interests and contributes to the prosperity and well-being of both nations. The two sides reviewed prospects for cooperation across various sectors, particularly in industry, trade, investment, technology, and renewable energy. During the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the importance of joint efforts between the two friendly nations to strengthen cooperation in the industrial sector, building on the strong UAE-Canada ties and the sector's diverse and attractive opportunities that align with both countries' ambitions for sustainable economic development. The meeting was also attended by Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade; Sultan Al Mansoori, Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs, and Abdulrahman Ali Al Neyadi, the UAE Ambassador to Canada. On Friday, Sheikh Abdullah had met Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada. During the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah and the Canadian Foreign Minister discussed bilateral relations and means to further develop them across various fields. Sheikh Abdullah and Anita Anand also reviewed opportunities to enhance cooperation in several key sectors, including the economic, educational, investment, trade, technology and energy fields. Sheikh Abdullah reiterated the deep and long-standing friendship between the UAE and Canada, and highlighted the UAE's commitment to further advancing this distinguished relationship, which holds promising opportunities for growth and development in line with the aspirations of both nations for a more prosperous future. Discussions also touched on the latest regional and international developments, with a focus on their repercussions for global peace and security. Also on Friday, Sheikh Abdullah had met François-Philippe Champagne, Canada's Minister of Finance and National Revenue. Sheikh Abdullah and Champagne discussed the distinguished bilateral relations between the UAE and Canada and explored ways to promote them to serve both countries' shared interests and developmental priorities. WAM

Tahawul Tech

3 hours ago

• Tahawul Tech

Nedaa participates in CCW 2025 to boost partnerships in critical communications

Dubai — Professional Communication Corporation – Nedaa's participation in Critical Communications World (CCW) 2025 underscores the UAE's commitment to drive innovation in mission-critical telecommunications. The high-level delegation was led by H.E. Mansoor Bu Osaiba, CEO of Nedaa, at Critical Communications World (CCW) 2025, in Brussels, Belgium from June 17 to 19, 2025, along with senior executives and technical experts. Nedaa's attendance at CCW 2025 highlights its ongoing commitment to advancing mission-critical communication solutions and building strategic international partnerships. The delegation aimed to explore the integration of innovative technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), to enhance the security, resilience and efficiency of communication networks. 'Our participation at CCW 2025 underscores our commitment to driving innovation in mission-critical telecommunications,' said Osaiba. 'Through active engagement with international industry leaders and innovators, we aim to bring advanced communication solutions back to Dubai, further solidifying its position as a leading global smart city.' During the three-day event, Nedaa showcased its latest developments, explored potential collaborations and engaged in key industry discussions and presentations. The CCW platform provides an ideal setting for exchanging insights on global trends, challenges and opportunities in the critical communications sector. Nedaa's active presence at CCW 2025 reinforces its leadership in enhancing public safety and security through robust and future-ready communication infrastructures. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies, Nedaa continues to set the standard for high-quality critical communication services, playing an essential role in Dubai's ongoing evolution as an innovative, secure, and smart city.

Khaleej Times

5 hours ago

• Khaleej Times

Ajman Department of Land and Real Estate Regulation and Ajman Bank sign strategic MoU

The Ajman Department of Land and Real Estate Regulation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ajman Bank, marking a new chapter of collaboration aimed at advancing financial integration and enhancing banking services through innovative and digital-first solutions. The agreement was signed by Eng. Omar bin Omair Al Muhairi, Director General of the Department of Land and Real Estate Regulation, and Mustafa Al Khalfawi, Chief Executive Officer of Ajman Bank. Commenting on the signing, Eng. Omar bin Omair Al Muhairi stated: 'This strategic partnership with Ajman Bank reflects our commitment to advancing the department's digital capabilities and streamlining financial performance. Ajman Bank plays a vital role in supporting our ongoing efforts to build an agile, tech-enabled regulatory environment that responds effectively to the needs of real estate developers and investors.' He further added that through this collaboration, the department will gain access to comprehensive, periodic reports on escrow accounts, enabling greater oversight of real estate development performance. The partnership also paves the way for more seamless financial transactions across stakeholder groups, reducing procedural complexity and delivering future-ready services grounded in speed, privacy, and operational excellence. Mustafa Al Khalfawi, CEO of Ajman Bank, commented: 'At Ajman Bank, we believe in the power of institutional collaboration to elevate the quality of financial services. This agreement reflects our shared vision of trust, integration, and efficiency, and supports Ajman's positioning as a competitive and investment-friendly emirate.' This partnership serves as a model for effective synergy between regulatory bodies and the financial sector, setting the stage for a more stable, transparent, and investor-centric real estate ecosystem in Ajman.