Google is adding a new layer of protection by introducing stricter certification requirements for financial services advertisers targeting Malaysian users in an effort to fight against ever-increasing online scams.
Through the Financial Services Verification (FSV) program, Google will be doing its own “due diligence” by requiring anyone who wants to promote financial products or services through Google’s advertising platforms to submit documents and licenses to prove that they are indeed qualified.
It will be fully engaged from April 14 onwards, and companies will need to show that they are authorised by Malaysian regulators such as Bank Negara Malaysia, Securities Commission Malaysia, or the Labuan Financial Services Authority, while also completing all necessary verifications within FSV.
On the other hand, those who fail to complete the process will no longer be able to show financial services ads to Malaysian users. Also, one can submit the application via Google’s compliance partner G2.
The timing makes sense as financial scams have been climbing in Malaysia, with losses hitting RM2.77 billion in 2025 alone, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs Malaysia. So Google is trying to step in on the advertising side to make it harder for fraudulent operators to reach potential victims, as explained by Ben King.
Malaysia’s communications regulator also welcomed the move. Abdul Karim Fakir Ali, Managing Director of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, said the initiative is an important step in preventing financial scams from reaching Malaysians, noting that tackling digital fraud requires cooperation across platforms, regulators, and the public.
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