Context:
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) clarified that:
- Influencers do not need professional qualifications to share generic information on financial or health products.
- However, technical or specific advice must come from certified professionals registered with SEBI or other regulatory bodies.
Broader Opportunities for Influencer Marketing
- Brands can now engage a wider pool of influencers to promote financial or health services—as long as expert guidance is not implied.
- This opens up new brand collaboration opportunities for non-expert influencers.
“This maintains the integrity of communication in sensitive sectors, while allowing greater creative freedom,” said Manish Kapoor, Secretary General, ASCI.
Relief for Finfluencers and Talent Agencies
- Ayush Shukla of Finnet Media said:
- The relaxed ASCI guidelines have reassured financial creators after brands backed out amid SEBI’s clampdown on unregulated advice.
- This could revive partnerships and brand deals in the finfluencer space.
SEBI’s Regulatory Oversight
- ASCI’s update does not override SEBI regulations:
- SEBI remains the statutory authority for financial conduct and advice on markets.
- Stock price guidance rules remain strict—finfluencers cannot use live stock data in investor education content; minimum 3-month-old price references are required.
