Financial Services Industry Changes
In our current world, change isn’t just a one-time event; it’s an ongoing part of life. This holds true for the financial services industry as well.
Banking technology has made huge strides in the past 30 years, yet we’re only at the start of a grand journey. We’re convinced that the next decade will bring even more groundbreaking changes. This will allow for exciting opportunities for banks and other financial institutions. As a result, they will have to rethink how they operate and the value they provide to their clients.
To handle these quick changes and grab these chances, there are three main things that banks need to focus on.
Financial services marketing trends
In the past, banks and other companies mostly used old-school promotional methods. For instance, newspaper ads, TV commercials, and direct mail, to name a few. But with the rise of the internet and digital platforms, things have changed for these businesses regarding promotion.
Now, they use data-driven marketing in finance based on analysing client information. In short, this new way of advertising allows for fresh possibilities and brings new challenges.
Digital marketing in finance trends
Digital marketing for financial providers gives clients more personal and relevant information. For instance, tools like search engine optimisation (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC). As a result, these tools have helped these firms reach more people and, more importantly, a more targeted audience.
This move towards targeted marketing in the financial sector has transformed client acquisition strategies. Thus, paving the way for business growth and expansion.
Increased competition
At the same time, the world of finance is seeing a lot more competition. This is because of the growth of tech-based financial services companies and changing consumer tastes. This competition means outdated businesses must rethink and refresh their advertising strategies. For example, they need to use more tech in their offerings to stay successful and keep their spot in the market.
Changing client expectations
Also, companies must keep up with what their clients want, which keeps changing. That being said, investing in new technologies and digital marketing strategies is no longer a choice. For this reason, they must do it to provide the smooth and personal experience clients now expect. Staying up-to-date keeps clients loyal and allows firms to do well in a competitive field.
A company’s ability to adapt and evolve with changing trends in financial services marketing determines its success in the industry.
Rise of the fintech industry
A significant change in the industry has been the growth of fintech companies. These cutting-edge businesses are shaking up the usual ways of doing things in finance. As a result, this shake-up is causing a significant shift in how providers promote. Fintech firms are putting a lot of emphasis on online methods, improving the user’s experience, and reaching the right people.
A fintech brand today understands the importance of building trust with its consumers. They accomplish this through transparent practices and by providing value through relevant a content strategy. Content has thus become a cornerstone of fintech marketing strategies.
In addition, social media marketing has become a vital tool for fintech companies. It lets them interact directly with their clients, respond to their concerns, and create long-term brand loyalty.
Thought leader advertising
Promoting through popular personalities or influencers has become vital for businesses trying to reach younger, tech-smart groups. Traditional advertising methods usually don’t work well with these audiences, who doubt outdated providers. So, turning to influencers has given them a new way to solve this problem.
Influencer marketing
Influencers who have vast and active social media followers have a unique benefit. They already have the trust and attention of their followers. A company can tap into this already-established connection when it teams up with an influencer. This partnership allows them to connect with potential clients more naturally and genuinely.
Credibility
This method is not only about making the brand more visible; it’s also about gaining trust. Influencers usually discuss their own experiences with a service or product. Therefore, this can make complicated financial ideas or products easier to understand. Their followers are likelier to believe their suggestions because they see them as honest and easy to relate to.
Targeting different client segments
Also, promotion through influencers lets companies customise their message for different groups of people. Each influencer has different followers, ranging from young people to older ones who want tips on handling money. By picking the right influencer, businesses can ensure their message gets to the people who find it most useful.
Track and monitor
Tracking and measuring influencer promotional campaigns is easy. Tracking provides essential details about how much the audience engages, how they respond, and the return on investment. This approach, which uses data, helps companies fine-tune their advertising plans, making them more precise and efficient.
The impact of changing UK regulations
The rules and regulations in the UK have changed a lot, dramatically affecting promotional strategies in the industry. These changes protect people who use these offerings, encourage competition between companies, and keep the market fair and honest.
GDPR
One of the most significant rules that have affected advertising is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This rule, which started in 2018, has transformed how financial institutions deal with personal data. It requires strict measures to protect data and sets heavy fines if companies do not follow them.
Because of the GDPR, companies must be more open and careful. As a result, firms must consider how they collect, store, and use consumer data in their promotional activities.
FCA
There are essential rules by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) about how financial-related advertisements should be. These rules say that any message that asks someone to invest their money should be easy to understand, fair, and honest. These rules have altered how banks and related companies advertise, ensuring they tell the truth and not trick people.
FCA Sandbox
The growth of fintech has also brought about new rules. One such rule is the FCA’s sandbox; it is like a playground for fintech companies. They can test their new offerings and ideas in this playground without following the usual rules. The FCA sandbox lets them more creatively advertise their services and helps clients.
PSD2
The Second Payment Services Directive (PSD2) is a rule that allows more companies to join the banking sector. This increases competition and introduces new ideas. Also, PSD2 gives these companies better ways to promote their offerings.
They can create unique products for each consumer instead of a one-size-fits-all approach. This makes their offerings more efficient and tailored to individual needs.
Consumer Duty
Consumer Duty is a set of rules established by the FCA. This rule ensures higher and more precise consumer protection standards in the sector. Because of this, firms must concentrate on their client’s needs and deliver good outcomes for them.
The main rules will come into force on 31 July 2023, which will apply to existing products and services. This significant regulation change sets higher expectations for the standard of care firms across the sector must provide.
To sum it up, even though these changing rules in the UK can be tough, they also bring chances to grow. These changes, which promote honesty, consumer protection, and new ideas, make firms rethink their strategies to adapt to the evolving landscape.
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