<![CDATA[The shift towards digital learning post-pandemic has led society to use social media platgorms like Instagram and TikTok for financial education. However, the high rate of investment scams has increased public fear and vigilance. This expalanatory research aims to examine the effect of influencer credibility and image on the intention to enroll in online investment classes, both directly and mediated by perceived trust. A quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design was applied to 370 respondents selected via purposive sampling. Data were analysed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The results prove that influencer credibility and image positively affect perceived trust. Both factors, along with trust, also directly drive public intention to enroll. The main finding confirms that influencer credibility is the strongest driver of consumer intention, while trust acts as a partial mediator in this high-risk service. This research provides theoretical benefits by confirming the applicability of Source Credibility Theory and the S-O-R Model in the digital financial education business. A practical recommendation for education providers is the necessity to select promotional figures who are proven competent and have transparent financial track records to reduce prospective participants’ doubts. Perubahan preferensi metodologi pembelajaran ke arah digital pasca-pandemi mendorong masyarakat beralih menggunakan platform media sosial seperti Instagram dan TikTok untuk memperoleh literasi keuangan. Namun, tingginya prevalensi kasus penipuan investasi meningkatkan skeptisisme dan kewaspadaan publik. Penelitian eksplanatori ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh kredibilitas dan citra influencer terhadap intensi partisipasi layanan edukasi investasi daring, baik secara langsung maupun melalui mediasi perceived trust. Pendekatan kuantitatif dengan desain penampang lintang (cross-sectional) diterapkan pada 370 responden yang dipilih melalui teknik purposive sampling. Data dianalisis menggunakan metode Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Hasil penelitian membuktikan bahwa kredibilitas dan citra influencer berpengaruh positif terhadap perceived trust. Kedua faktor tersebut, bersama dengan kepercayaan, juga terbukti secara langsung menstimulasi intensi pendaftaran audiens. Temuan utama menegaskan bahwa kredibilitas influencer merupakan determinan pendorong paling kuat bagi niat konsumen, sedangkan kepercayaan bertindak sebagai mediator sebagian (partial mediation) pada layanan berisiko tinggi ini. Riset ini memberikan manfaat teoretis berupa konfirmasi keterpakaian Source Credibility Theory dan model S-O-R pada sektor edukasi keuangan digital. Rekomendasi praktis bagi penyedia kelas adalah keharusan menyeleksi tokoh promotor yang memiliki sertifikasi kompetensi dan rekam jejak finansial yang transparan guna menekan keraguan calon peserta.]]>
