Google introduces financial services verification for advertisers in Malaysia to curb scams

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Google has introduced a new verification requirement for financial services advertisers targeting Malaysia, aimed at strengthening safeguards against online financial scams.

The initiative, called Financial Services Verification (FSV), adds an additional layer of security to Google’s existing financial products and services advertising policies. It is designed to ensure that only legitimate and licensed financial service providers are able to promote their offerings to users in Malaysia.

The rollout comes as financial scams continue to rise in the country. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs Malaysia, Malaysians lost RM2.77 billion to financial fraud in 2025.

Beginning 14 April 2026, certain advertisers offering financial products or services will be required to complete a verification process before they can run ads on Google’s platforms. 

As part of this process, advertisers must demonstrate that they are authorised by Malaysian regulators, including Bank Negara Malaysia, the Securities Commission Malaysia, or the Labuan Financial Services Authority, and complete Google’s advertiser verification programme.

Advertisers will be able to begin the verification process starting 10 March 2026 through Google’s compliance partner, G2. The verification requirement will apply not only to financial services providers but also to non-financial advertisers targeting users searching for financial services.

Advertisers that fail to complete the updated verification process before enforcement begins will no longer be permitted to display financial services ads to Malaysian users.

“Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to evade detection. That’s why we’re strengthening our defenses to ensure only authorised financial providers can reach users on Google. By partnering with authorities to enforce these stricter checks, we’re staying one step ahead of bad actors and giving Malaysians greater confidence when engaging with financial services online,” said Ben King, country managing director, Google Malaysia.

The initiative has also received support from regulators.

“MCMC welcomes this initiative by Google as it is a critical step in preventing financial scams from reaching Malaysians. Tackling digital fraud requires a whole-of-ecosystem approach, where technology platforms, regulators, and the public all play a role. Verifying the legitimacy of financial advertisers is essential to our goal of ensuring a safe and trusted digital environment for all Malaysians,” said Abdul Karim Fakir Ali, managing director of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.

The FSV requirement forms part of Google’s broader fraud prevention framework, which includes measures such as Advertiser Identity Verification and limited ad serving for high-risk categories. These safeguards are complemented by AI-powered consumer tools such as Google Lens and Circle to Search that help users identify potential scams in real time.