Kuala lumpur: Google has announced the introduction of financial services verification (FSV), a new certification requirement for financial services advertisers targeting Malaysia, aiming to enhance protection against financial scams.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the FSV adds a crucial layer of security to Google's existing financial products and services policy by ensuring that only legitimate and licensed financial service providers can reach users in Malaysia through ads on Google's platforms. Beginning April 14, 2026, select advertisers of financial products and services will need to complete a verification process before running ads on Google's platforms. Applications for this verification are now open through Google's compliance partner, G2.

As part of the verification process, advertisers must demonstrate authorization by Malaysian authorities such as Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), and the Labuan Financial Services Authority (LFSA). Citing data from the Ministry of Home Affairs Malaysia, Google highlighted the increasing prevalence of financial scams in the country, noting that financial fraud resulted in losses totaling RM2.77 billion in 2025 alone.

Google Malaysia's country managing director, Ben King, emphasized that scammers are continuously evolving their tactics to avoid detection, underlining the necessity of strengthening defenses to ensure only authorized financial providers can advertise on Google. Abdul Karim Fakir Ali, managing director of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), described Google's initiative as a critical step in preventing financial scams from reaching Malaysians.