What IBs and signal groups can and can't say in their marketing

Why are regulators focused on forex marketing on social media?

Because it reaches ordinary people, fast, and the products are risky. ESMA found in 2018 that typically 74 to 89 percent of retail CFD accounts lose money, and it requires brokers to show a standard risk warning. A post that makes trading look easy or safe is a post that misleads someone who cannot afford to lose.

Source: ESMA, 2018.

What have UK regulators done about finfluencers?

Two recent examples from the FCA are worth knowing about.

• 10 September 2025: the FCA charged three finfluencers, with a first court appearance, under section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act. The charge related to promoting forex CFDs to followers without authorisation.
• 20 February 2026: seven influencers pleaded guilty to unauthorised financial promotions. Five were fined between £600 and £3,750, plus costs, and two received discharges. The FCA said they "betrayed the trust of those who followed them."

The point is not the size of the fines. It is that individuals, not only companies, were prosecuted for what they posted.

Sources: FCA, 10 September 2025; FCA, 20 February 2026.

What does the FCA's social media guidance say?

The FCA published guidance on financial promotions on social media (FG24/1) in 2024. At a high level: promotions on social media, including by influencers, must be fair, clear and not misleading, and where required they must be approved or communicated by an authorised firm. If you promote a regulated product to UK followers, read the guidance in full.

Source: FCA, FG24/1.

What about the US?

In the US, NFA Compliance Rule 2-29 covers communications with the public and promotional material for NFA members, including IBs. At a high level, it expects no misleading claims and real care with hypothetical results. If you work under a US-regulated broker, ask them how Rule 2-29 applies to your posts, DMs and group messages.

Source: NFA, regulatory obligations for IBs.

What can you say and what should you avoid?

This table is a practical starting point, not a rulebook for your country.

What does good wording look like?

Plain examples, which you should adapt and check with your broker:

• Commission disclosure: "I earn a commission from the broker when you open an account through my link. It does not cost you extra."
• Risk warning: "Trading CFDs and forex carries a high risk of losing money. Only trade with money you can afford to lose."
• Results: "These are past results from my own account. They are not a guide to what you will make."

Put the disclosure where people see it before they sign up: in your bio, in your pinned post and in the first reply where your link appears. Do not bury it.

What about signal groups?

If you run a signal group, take extra care. Telling members what to buy or sell, and when, can look like advice or a promotion depending on where you and your members are. We cannot tell you how that applies to you. Ask your broker's compliance team, and take legal advice before you charge for signals or promote them in public.

Whatever you decide, never present signals as a promise of results.

Does this apply to DMs and group chats too?

Yes, treat them the same. A message sent privately is still a communication about a financial product. The wording you use in DMs, WhatsApp replies and signal groups should meet the same standard as your public posts: fair, clear, no profit promises, and honest about how you earn.

It also helps to keep onboarding messages consistent. If every trader hears the same accurate explanation, it is easier to check and easier to defend. See how to onboard new traders without doing it by hand.

Who should check your marketing before you post it?

Your broker's compliance team is the first stop. They know the rules that apply to the broker you introduce for, and many have approved materials, required wording and a process for checking IB posts. Ask for their promotion rules in writing, and ask what they expect on risk warnings and commission disclosure.

For anything beyond that, such as running a paid signal group, working across several countries or advertising to UK followers, speak to a lawyer who knows financial promotions. An hour of advice costs far less than a regulator's letter.

Keep a simple record of what you were told and when. If your broker changes its rules, update your pinned posts and your scripts the same week.

How does Onyxlot keep setter scripts compliant?

In general terms: you approve the wording before it sends, and the setter is written not to promise profits. You can also read or take over any chat. We do not give legal advice, and we cannot make your marketing compliant for you. Your broker's compliance team and, where needed, a lawyer remain the right place to check.

For the full approach to growing your team, start with how to get more IBs every month in 2026.

What should you do this week?

• Read your recent posts and DMs as a regulator would. Remove anything that implies profit.
• Add a risk warning and a commission disclosure to your bio and pinned post.
• Ask your broker's compliance team for their promotion rules in writing.
• Write down your approved wording for first messages and replies.

Onyxlot is a marketing and onboarding service, not a broker, and gives no financial advice. Trading CFDs and forex carries a high risk of losing money. See our disclaimer.