FCA: More than 10,000 'misleading' financial ads withdrawn in 2023

investmentweek.co.uk:

The regulator has previously highlighted its concern at the rise of influencers, also known as ‘finfluencers', leveraging social media platforms to promote financial products.

More than 10,000 financial adverts and other promotions were withdrawn or changed in 2023 following intervention from the regulator, an increase of 17%, year-on-year.

The FCA also published 2,285 alerts to help prevent consumers from losing their money to scams last year, up from 1,800 in 2022.

The regulator has previously highlighted its concern at the rise of influencers, also known as ‘finfluencers', leveraging social media platforms to promote financial products.

FCA eyes stringent social media rules in financial promotions crackdown

Last year, the watchdog warned that nearly three-in-four people aged 18 to 29 trust advice provided on social media by finance-focused influencers.

The findings were published on 17 July alongside the release of proposed new social media guidance the regulator said would «modernise the information firms should use when promoting financial products or services online».

As of 7 February 2024, authorised firms need permission from the FCA if they want to approve promotions for unregulated persons. This makes sure firms approving financial promotions have the required competence and expertise for the promotions being offered.

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Consumer investments director Lucy Castledine said: «People need clear, fair, and accurate information to base their financial decisions on. We will continue to intervene and take action when we identify firms not meeting our minimum standards.»

After being granted extended power by the government, the regulator has been focusing in on illegal