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Starting 14 April 2026, only licensed financial institutions will be allowed to run financial advertisements on Google platforms
Google has introduced a new layer of security called financial services verification (FSV) to protect Malaysians from the growing threat of online fraud.
In a statement, Google said the mandatory certification ensures that only licensed financial institutions can run product advertisements on Google's various platforms.
Advertisers must complete this verification process to continue their ad campaigns. Applications for the FSV are now open through Google's compliance partner, G2.
To qualify, businesses must prove they are authorised by local regulators.
This includes bodies like Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), the Securities Commission of Malaysia (SC), and the Labuan Financial Services Authority (LFSA).
Google's move comes as financial fraud continues to plague the nation, with the Home Ministry reporting losses of RM2.77 billion in 2025 alone
Google Malaysia country managing director Ben King noted that scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to evade detection.
"That's why we are strengthening our defences to ensure only authorised financial providers can reach users on Google," King said.
The initiative has received support from local authorities aiming to curb the reach of fraudulent schemes.
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) managing director Abdul Karim Fakir Ali described the verification as a critical step, saying it will play a vital role in preventing scams from reaching the public.
