Why Most Marketing Agencies Struggle with Financial Services (and What to Do Instead)

If you've ever worked with a marketing agency that didn’t "get" financial services, you’re not alone. Many small financial advice firms invest time and money into marketing support, only to find themselves frustrated by unrealistic strategies, compliance nightmares, and campaigns that miss the mark.

The Problem? A Lack of Understanding of Regulation

Most marketing agencies thrive on creativity, viral trends, and eye-catching messaging. But in financial services, it’s not that simple. You’re operating in a highly regulated environment where every word counts. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has strict rules around financial promotions (read more here), ensuring that marketing is fair, clear, and not misleading.

A standard marketing agency might:

• Suggest bold claims that breach FCA guidelines.
• Recommend testimonials that aren’t compliant.
• Fail to highlight the risks alongside potential benefits.
• Focus on engagement rather than trust and credibility.

The Result? A Headache for You

You end up having to rewrite campaigns, deal with compliance pushback, or—worst of all—withdraw marketing materials after they’ve already gone live. Instead of saving time, you’re spending even more managing the fallout.

The Solution? Work with Someone Who Knows the Rules

At Sierra Juliet, we specialise in marketing for small businesses and regulated industries. That means we understand how to craft effective, compliant marketing that helps grow your business—without putting you at risk. We've spent almost 20 years helping businesses grow through strategic marketing initiatives. We're qualified marketing professionals with a variety of industry experience.

From regulatory-compliant content plans, to client acquisition strategies and customer retention programmes, through regular communication and tailored content, we help keep your audience engaged and informed. Our goal is to build long-term relationships between you and your clients, ensuring sustained growth and stability for your business.

If you’re tired of working with agencies that don’t understand your world, let’s talk. Because marketing in financial services isn’t just about visibility—it’s about trust. Find out more today.