Finance & Investment Affiliate Disclosures
Finance affiliates need a 'not financial advice' layer, risk disclosures, and awareness of the securities overlay. Includes a ready-to-copy sample.
Finance, investment, insurance, and credit affiliate sites promote products where bad information causes direct financial harm — so they attract regulatory attention from the FTC and, where securities or investment advice are involved, potentially the SEC, FINRA, and state regulators. On top of the affiliate disclosure, these sites need a clear “not financial advice” layer and honest risk disclosures.
Not financial advice, and why it matters
If your content could be read as recommending specific investments, you risk straying into regulated territory. A prominent statement that your content is educational and not personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice — and that you are not a licensed advisor — helps set the correct expectation. It does not license misleading claims: the FTC still requires that any objective claim (for example, about returns, savings, or approval odds) be truthful and substantiated.
The securities overlay
Promoting securities or investment advisers can trigger rules beyond the FTC. The SEC’s marketing rule governs adviser testimonials and endorsements and generally requires disclosure of compensation and conflicts. If you earn commissions promoting investment products, get specialized advice about which regimes apply.
Risk and results disclosures
Where you mention returns, income, or performance, include a risk disclosure: investing involves risk including loss of principal, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Avoid implying guaranteed or typical returns. Income and “how much you can make” claims are a specific FTC focus — see earnings and income disclaimers.
Ready-to-use sample disclosure
Educational sample, not legal or financial advice. If you promote securities or advisory services, get advice on SEC/FINRA and state requirements.
Authoritative sources
Last reviewed July 2026. This page is general educational information, not legal or tax advice.