Watchdog cracks down on social media 'finfluencers'
- The Australian Securities and Investments Commission issued warning notices to four finfluencers suspected of providing unlicensed financial advice and promoting claims of "guaranteed returns."
- Recent research indicates that 63 per cent of Australians aged 18 to 28 rely on social media for financial information, with 56 per cent trusting content found on these platforms.
- Algorithms driving engagement expose consumers to biased content, ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland said, warning that "if someone on social media is promising easy money," there is a real risk they're breaking the law.
- Beyond the four warned individuals, the regulator is reviewing Australian Financial Services licensees supervising 15 finfluencers, as such unauthorized activities carry penalties of up to five years imprisonment or $1 million fines.
- This enforcement coincides with the second Global Week of Action Against Unlawful Finfluencers involving 17 regulators; consumers should verify credentials via the ASIC Professional Registers Search before acting on advice.
19 Articles
19 Articles
UK regulator part of international crackdown on finfluencers acting illegally
The Financial Conduct Authority is among 17 regulators worldwide to have taken part in a week of action.
ASIC Warns ‘Finfluencers’ Over Unlicensed Advice Targeting Young Australians
Australia’s corporate regulator has warned social media finance influencers that misleading or unlicensed advice could expose them to serious penalties, as younger users increasingly turn to online platforms for investment guidance. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued notices to four unlicensed online financial influencers, also known as “finfluencers,” about promoting financial strategies including claims of h…
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