Why PR Matters in Fintech and How to Lay a Strong Foundation (Part 1 of 2)

Emerging financial technology platforms operate in a highly regulated, competitive, and fast‑changing sector. For any fintech business, public relations is not merely promotional—it plays a critical role in establishing credibility, managing reputation, and facilitating growth.

In this first part of the guide, we’ll explore why communication matters in fintech, the distinct features of fintech PR, and the essential groundwork needed before executing media outreach or campaigns. Part 2 will focus on implementation strategies, messaging dynamics, thought leadership, and metrics that tie PR efforts to business outcomes.

 

Why Public Relations Is Essential for Fintech Growth

  • Trust and Credibility Are Core
    Users entrust platforms with personal and financial data, and regulators expect transparency. External validation via media presence, expert commentary, and third‑party narratives can instill confidence.

  • Complex Concepts Need Simplification
    Fintech solutions often involve blockchain, AI, or regulatory compliance. PR helps translate these complex ideas into clear benefits that resonate with business leaders, developers, and consumers alike.

  • Noise Is Amplified in Finance
    Emerging fintech companies are frequently compared with established institutions. To be noticed, communication must be intelligent, timely, and distinct from traditional messaging.

  • Regulatory Shifts Shape Opportunity and Risk
    Changes in regulation, licensing, or compliance standards can quickly reshape market dynamics. PR teams must be ready to respond and help frame narratives in alignment with policy shifts.

  • Influence Signals Competence
    Coverage in reputable outlets or participation in industry forums often becomes a differentiator, influencing investor decisions and partnership opportunities.

 

Fintech PR: What Makes It Different

While many PR principles apply broadly, fintech presents certain nuances:

  1. Regulatory Oversight
    Unlike typical consumer tech, fintech communications must align with compliance rules—avoiding misrepresentation of financial outcomes or overpromising return metrics.

  2. Dual Audiences
    Messages must resonate with technical teams, regulators, investors, and business consumers simultaneously. That requires layered messaging—deep enough for specialists, clear enough for broader audiences.

  3. Fast-Moving Developments
    With market changes, acquisitions, or legislative updates, the communication calendar shifts rapidly. PR must pivot, providing authoritative commentary without sacrificing accuracy.

  4. Risk-First Messaging
    Topics such as fraud prevention, data privacy, or licensing status frequently attract scrutiny. Transparency about limitations and safeguards builds long-term trust.

  5. Partnership Ecosystems
    Fintech rarely operates in isolation. Collaborations with banks, payment processors, or regulatory bodies are often central to credibility and growth.

 

Core Public Relations Pillars for Fintech

A robust PR approach in this sector typically includes:

  • Regulatory Positioning: Communicating readiness, compliance, and forward‑looking governance posture.

  • Product and Innovation Messaging: Explaining how tools solve real financial challenges or streamline processes.

  • Leadership Narratives: Highlighting founders or technical experts as thought leaders shaping fintech trends or policy discussion.

  • Customer or Partner Case Examples: Demonstrating real-world impact and endorsements from users or factions in the ecosystem.

  • Crisis Preparedness: Planning for unexpected events—security incidents, platform outages, or regulatory inquiries—with clear communication protocols.

 

Laying the Groundwork: Key Preparations Before Public Communication

1. Define Core Messaging and Positioning

Clarity around positioning makes every message consistent:

  • What financial problem does the platform solve?

  • Which audience segments benefit most—consumers, enterprises, regulators?

  • Who are key partners or endorsements?

  • What values drive the platform—security, inclusion, compliance?

Document these points as a framework so press releases, executive commentary, and media responses consistently reflect that story.

2. Identify and Train Spokespeople

Given the complex regulatory environment, spokespeople should be prepared to speak clearly and confidently about both product capabilities and operational standards.

Include:

  • Biographies and expertise areas

  • Contact info and visibility permissions

  • Media scenarios and talking points

  • Refresh training regularly

Multiple spokespeople ensure coverage during times of executive unavailability.

3. Develop an Asset Library

A centralized hub ensures quick access to pre-approved materials:

  • Messaging framework documents

  • Spokesperson headshots and bios

  • Visual assets: screen captures, platform visuals, flowcharts

  • Regulatory credentials or compliance summaries

  • Fact sheets, report summaries, and market data points

  • Customer quotes or one-page summaries of success stories

Ensure these are always up-to-date and accessible across teams.

4. Draft a Story Roadmap

Build a calendar of key announcements and story triggers such as:

  • Regulatory approvals or partnership certifications

  • Major feature releases or integrations

  • Research findings or usage data

  • Significant client or partner wins

  • Speaking appearances or industry award nominations

Align this roadmap with leadership, product, and compliance teams to ensure visibility and planning alignment.

5. Establish Clear PR Metrics Aligned with Growth Goals

Define what success looks like early. Fintech PR outcomes may include:

  • Number or quality of media placements

  • Backlinks in reputable finance/tech outlets

  • Analyst mentions or regulatory endorsements

  • Conversions tied to press referral traffic

  • Brand reach via thought leadership content

Tracking these helps demonstrate PR’s role in growth, investment readiness, and stakeholder confidence.

 

In Part 2, we will dive into execution: building relationships with financial and tech journalists, crafting compelling pitches, developing thought leadership, managing crises, and measuring results with precision. Expect strategic insights, tactical examples, and frameworks for running campaigns that align with regulatory realities and platform evolution.

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