The emoji challenge: Navigating digital communication risks for IFAs

Why emojis are a double-edged sword

clock • 5 min read

Emojis – playful 'sentence garnish' or a growing compliance risk? Harriet Christie looks at the issues

Emojis. Once a playful sentence garnish for messages between friends, they've now infiltrated business communications, from Slack to Teams, SMS and even emails. And while they may seem harmless, they're a growing compliance risk that most firms aren't equipped to handle. In regulated industries, every piece of communication — every "thumbs up" 👍, every "fire" 🔥, even the occasional "crying laughing" 😂 is now under compliance scrutiny. Regulators are aware that these tiny symbols can carry big implications. Their challenge is understanding what's being said when a single emoji can mea...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your Business

The challenges of scaling a financial planning business sustainably

The challenges of scaling a financial planning business sustainably

'Growth in any firm needs to be managed in a controlled way'

Roderic Rennison
clock 23 October 2025 • 4 min read
News editor's view: It's never quiet in advice

News editor's view: It's never quiet in advice

The news editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 17 October

Sahar Nazir
clock 17 October 2025 • 3 min read
Deal Dive: What Q3 had in store

Deal Dive: What Q3 had in store

Your regular IFA M&A round-up

Isabel Baxter
clock 16 October 2025 • 4 min read