INTHEBLACK November 2026 - Magazine - Page 44
FEATURE
Global financial regulators
are striving to stop unlawful
financial influencers on social
media platforms.
Some advocates argue that
ethical finfluencers can play
an important role in improving
financial literacy.
ASIC is using AI more
widely to identify dubious
influencers and other harmful
online behaviour.
APAC
finfluencer
crackdown
As social media shapes how people learn about money and investing,
financial regulators across the Asia-Pacific region are intensifying efforts to
stop unlawful financial influencers. But could they also be a force for good?
Words Cameron Cooper
AS ONE OF ASIA’S MOST POPULAR
financial bloggers, Singapore-based Dawn Cher
loves connecting with her 34,000-odd followers
via social media platforms.
The 30-something content creator, who
started posting 12 years ago, can now proudly
reflect on her role in educating people on
budget, investment and wealth-management
topics while drawing from her own
personal experiences.
“I was in uncharted territory back then
because it was not common in Asia to talk
about finances or even your salary,” Cher says.
“Today it is different and I would like to think
44 INTHEBLACK November 2026
the reach of my posts contributed to more
financial transparency.”
Cher is conscious that she is not a licensed
financial adviser, and so treads a fine line
between providing financial education and
advice. Although platforms such as TikTok,
Instagram and YouTube have enabled many
to carve out niches as finfluencers, the trend
has created concerns that consumers can
be exposed to misleading, inaccurate or
inappropriate financial content.
Amid a global regulatory crackdown on
unqualified or unethical influencers, Cher tries
to stick to two golden rules with her content.
