Google will require financial services advertisers in Malaysia to be verified and licensed by local authorities from April 2026 to combat rising scams.

KUALA LUMPUR: Google has announced new mandatory verification requirements for financial services advertisers targeting users in Malaysia.

The Financial Services Verification (FSV) programme will take effect from April 14, 2026, adding a security layer to the company’s existing advertising policies.

Starting today, selected advertisers can apply for verification through Google’s compliance partner, G2.

The process requires advertisers to prove they are authorised by Malaysian regulators like Bank Negara Malaysia, the Securities Commission Malaysia, and the Labuan Financial Services Authority.

This initiative aims to ensure only legitimate, licensed providers can run financial ads on Google’s platforms in the country.

Google cited Ministry of Home Affairs data showing financial fraud losses in Malaysia reached RM2.77 billion in 2025 alone.

“Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to evade detection,” said Google Malaysia country managing director Ben King.

“That’s why we are strengthening our defences to ensure only authorised financial providers can reach users on Google.”

Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission managing director Abdul Karim Fakir Ali called Google’s move “a critical step in preventing financial scams from reaching Malaysians.”

 The Sun Malaysia