“I can’t write on LinkedIn. Compliance won’t let me.”
If you’ve ever said those words, you’re not alone.
For many fund managers, compliance feels like a brick wall between them and the ability to share content online. In practice, though, compliance isn’t there to hold you back; it’s there to protect you. When you collaborate early and often, compliance becomes a valuable guide, supporting marketing that’s both effective and well-aligned with industry standards. It’s a resource—not a roadblock.
Why Compliance Pushback Happens
Compliance isn’t there to slow you down for fun. Their job is to protect your firm, your investors, and you. That means minimizing regulatory risk and ensuring you don’t run afoul of SEC, FINRA, or other oversight bodies.
Marketing, on the other hand, is designed to make you compelling, to help you stand out.
Naturally, there’s tension. But both sides want the same thing: to grow the business without putting it at risk.
Step 1: Flip the Question
Most managers start with the wrong ask: “What can I post on LinkedIn?”
That’s too broad.
Instead, ask compliance: “What can’t I post?”
Get a list of third-rail topics—the things that will always get you a “no.” Usually, these include:
- Performance or forward-looking statements
- Stock picks or investment recommendations
- Anything that could be interpreted as advice
Once you know the no-go zones, you can confidently move around them.
(Pro tip: With forward-thinking compliance teams, even some “off-limits” topics can be addressed if you use the right disclosures.)
Step 2: Focus on the Greenlight Topics
Here’s the good news: there’s plenty most firms can talk about on LinkedIn. In fact, some of the most effective posts fall squarely in compliance-friendly territory:
✅ Your philosophy and process
✅ Your people and firm culture
✅ Market insights and educational commentary
✅ Personal brand stories, life lessons, or leadership reflections
✅ Curated content (with proper citation)
Notice something? None of those require you to disclose performance, make predictions, or give away your “secret sauce.” But they all help prospects get to know, like, and trust you.
Step 3: Invite Compliance to the Party Early
Don’t treat compliance like the final boss battle before you hit “post.” Bring them in upfront.
When you loop them into planning (not just review) you save weeks of back-and-forth. And you give them the chance to help you find the yes, not just block the no.
Some practical tips:
- Keep a library of pre-approved language and disclosures. Reuse it.
- Build templates (posts, commentaries, even hashtags) that compliance has already blessed.
- Frame your asks as “How can we make this work?” instead of “Can I say this?”
Step 4: Reframe the Relationship
Compliance isn’t an obstacle; they’re your partner. When marketing and compliance work together, you create content that is both compelling and defensible. That’s how you protect the firm and grow the brand at the same time.
At Havener, we’ve seen it firsthand: the fund managers who consistently publish on LinkedIn don’t just have great content; they have strong compliance partnerships.
The Bottom Line
If you’re telling yourself you “can’t write on LinkedIn because of compliance,” you might be underestimating how much room you actually do have. There’s almost always a path forward. You just need the right process and the right mindset.
Marketing 🤝 Compliance
Same team. Same goals.
When you work together, everyone wins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can fund managers post on LinkedIn without violating compliance rules?
Most firms allow content that avoids performance, predictions, or specific investment advice. Thought leadership, educational insights, firm updates, and personal stories are generally safe topics when reviewed through your compliance process.
What topics are off-limits for investment managers on LinkedIn?
Typically, compliance restricts posts that include performance data, forward-looking statements, stock picks, or anything that could be interpreted as personalized advice. Every firm’s policies differ, so it’s best to confirm with your compliance team.
How do I work with compliance to get content approved faster?
Loop them in early. Share outlines, templates, or themes before writing full posts. Build a library of pre-approved language and disclosures, and frame your questions as “How can we make this work?” rather than yes/no requests.
Does compliance read every LinkedIn post before I publish it?
At many firms, yes—especially if the content touches on markets, investing, or firm positioning. But once you build trust and demonstrate a consistent approach, some firms allow streamlined or batch review.
What types of LinkedIn posts are usually approved by compliance?
Compliance tends to approve posts about investment philosophy, firm culture, leadership insights, market education, personal experiences, career lessons, or curated third-party content (properly cited).
Can I share market commentary on LinkedIn?
Often yes, as long as the commentary is educational, factual, and non-promissory. Avoid specific predictions (“X will go up”), avoid naming securities, and confirm any required disclosures.
How can fund managers stay compliant while building a personal brand?
Focus on storytelling, education, and perspective—not marketing claims. Build repeatable content themes that compliance understands and trust. Over time, you can publish consistently without friction.
Do I need disclosures on every LinkedIn post?
Not always. General insights, firm culture content, and personal stories often don’t require them. Market commentary or anything referencing investment processes may. Your compliance team will guide you based on your firm’s policies.
What’s the easiest way to create compliance-approved LinkedIn content?
Start with pre-approved templates. Many managers use a rotation of themes—educational posts, personal stories, philosophy/process insights, and curated content. This keeps publishing simple and predictable for compliance.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as compliance or legal advice. Every firm’s policies and regulatory requirements are different. Always consult your own compliance team to confirm what is permitted before publishing content.