PPB November 2019

The financial services industry, which includes banks and credit unions as well as various services, such as tax preparation, credit and accounting—is alive and well. Through this market, consumers can handle their financial needs, manage risk and build wealth. It’s a vital market that has come a long way since Alexander Hamilton founded the Bank of New York in 1784. Consumers can log into their bank accounts, put holds on cards, transfer money, view recurring charges and many more functions with a few taps on their phone screen. In the future, the banking experience could include banks sending customers personal greetings on their smartwatches when they step into a branch. Deloitte projects that bank tellers may one day wear smart glasses that allow them to process customer banking information while simultaneously completing other customer-service tasks. While innovation in the financial sector continues, consumers are already enjoying an abundance of options. The U.S. is home to more than 4,600 banks, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Consumers have seamless, real-time access to their funds—and they don’t even need to step foot in a physical branch. To stand out in a competitive market, financial services companies must take stock of their marketing mix. It’s not enough to reach out with emails and postcards—companies must meaningfully connect with clients and prospects. In an industry where most transactions happen via a screen, promotional products provide a personal touch. The financial market is the fourth largest user of promotional products according to PPAI’s 2018 Sales Volume Study comprising 6.4 percent ($1.5 billion) of the industry’s $24 billion market. Read on for a wealth of insights into the financial services market and some examples of promotional products that can help create memorable promotions for clients in this market. Campaign Collateral The Solo Route Slim Brief from the New York Collection makes a smart gift from accounting firms and tax prep companies. This briefcase features a padded laptop compartment, an exterior zippered compartment and a back strap that slides over a luggage handle. Logomark, Inc. / PPAI 110898, S12 www.logomark.com Banks and credit unions can keep their logo visible in offices and on the go with the Vector Leak-Proof Tumbler . This double-wall, vacuum-insulated tumbler keeps drinks hot for eight hours and cold for 24 hours. Leed’s / PPAI 112361, S13 / www.leedsworld.com | NOVEMBER 2019 | 57 GROW