Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Amidst a rise in social media and financial influencers (finfluencers) locally, the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has released a revised version of the guidelines on advertising for capital market products and related services.
The revised framework will introduce new requirements for finfluencers who independently promote capital market products and services without being engaged as marketing agents by an advertiser. These individuals will be considered advertisers under the guidelines and must comply accordingly.
Additionally, the framework will strengthen advertisers’ obligations to ensure that their marketing agents adhere to the guidelines, holding advertisers accountable for any non-compliance by their agents. Furthermore, the framework will enhance regulations on the use of social media for financial promotions to address its increasing role in advertising.
The guidelines will also impose a prohibition against advertising services in Malaysia, of persons who are not authorised by the SC.
In developing the revised guidelines, the SC has taken into account best practices from other jurisdictions, including Australia, the UK, and Singapore, while also incorporating feedback gathered from consultations with key stakeholders, including finfluencers.
The updated Guidelines will take effect on 1 November 2025, providing advertisers with ample time to familiarise themselves with the changes and make the necessary adjustments to ensure compliance.
