Meta mandates SEBI verification for investment ads targeting Indian users

Meta has introduced a new requirement for all securities and investment advertisements shown to users in India, mandating verification of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) registration. This step targets unregulated financial influencers on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, aiming to reduce the spread of unauthorised market advice, as reported by Economic Times.

On June 26, Meta announced a new policy requiring all advertisers promoting investment products to Indian users to verify their Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) registration. This applies to both domestic and global campaigns. Advertisements will display the verified advertiser’s name, SEBI registration number, and location, along with disclaimers set during ad creation.

The new regulations will come into force on July 31, 2025, with Meta starting to introduce verification tools from June 26. The company expects the verification process to be accessible to all eligible advertisers worldwide by July 28, 2025. Advertisers will have a minimum of one month to complete the verification once they become eligible.

Meta has introduced alternative verification options for advertisers exempt from SEBI registration, such as financial educators and training providers, requiring individuals to submit government-issued IDs and organisations to provide business documents. While ads focused solely on financial education, skill-building, or training may not need SEBI verification, they must still meet these alternate requirements. Ads launched before July 31 will not require changes if the advertiser account is verified under the new system.