The European Parliament calls for minimum standards for finfluencers

The resolution calls for clear labeling of paid partnerships, risk warnings in simple language, and the declaration of conflicts of interest. MEPs also demand financial education from school until adulthood.

The European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for minimum standards for communications from financial influencers, to limit hidden advertising, misleading claims, and online fraud targeting young investors.

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Thursday regarding the development of minimum standards for communications from so-called "influencers", financial influencers who publish content about money, savings, and investments on social media. The text aims to combat aggressive marketing and online fraud.

The resolution was adopted with 502 votes in favor, 46 against, and 42 abstentions. MEPs are calling for minimum standards for financial communications on social platforms, which have become a primary source of financial information for young people.

The Parliament recognizes that financial influencers can play a positive role in raising awareness and encouraging participation in financial markets. At the same time, MEPs warn that this environment creates high risks of hidden advertising, conflicts of interest, misleading claims, and rapid dissemination of fraud, including through deepfakes generated with artificial intelligence.

MEPs demand that paid partnerships be clearly labeled, risk warnings be formulated in simple language, and conflicts of interest be declared. They argue that these rules are necessary for users to distinguish between information, commercial promotion, and potentially misleading content.

Online platforms should have a stronger role in limiting risks. The resolution calls for "know-your-promotion" tools, clear consequences for influencers involved in fraudulent activities, and cooperation with authorities for the rapid removal of illegal and harmful content.

The resolution also calls for age-appropriate financial education, including in school programs and adult learning. The Parliament emphasizes digital and media literacy, as well as basic knowledge of cybersecurity.

MEPs argue that financial literacy, combined with digital skills, should help citizens identify fraud and critically analyze online financial content.

The Parliament links financial education to the goal of the Union of savings and investments, which aims for citizens to be able to invest safely and participate in capital markets based on accurate information. MEPs call on the Commission to report by the end of 2027 on the implementation and effectiveness of the Financial Literacy Strategy, with data broken down by member states and relevant areas.

"There is a clear majority in favor of treating financial literacy as a true European priority, with more capacity for action for citizens, stronger consumer protection, and increased accountability. Europe must ensure more transparency, stricter oversight, and less room for fraud, manipulation, and hidden conflicts of interest. Financial literacy should be promoted from school to retirement, so that people can navigate financial choices with more confidence, safety, and autonomy. More financial literacy means more freedom to decide, more security for protecting savings, and more confidence for participating in an increasingly digital and complex economy," said Lídia Pereira, EPP, Portugal, responsible for the report.

The increase in financial content on social platforms has changed the way young people inform themselves about savings, investments, and financial products. The European Parliament warns that the same evolution can increase exposure to hidden advertising, conflicts of interest, and online fraud.

The resolution is part of the broader debate on the Union of savings and investments, through which the EU aims to encourage citizens' participation in capital markets. For the Parliament, informed participation in these markets depends not only on access to investment products but also on transparency, consumer protection, and ongoing financial education.