From sketchy to secure: How great branding turns 'questionable' into 'credible'
Every company needs branding—because in a world full of noise, you can't afford to be just another face in the crowd. Your brand is your introduction and just like your outfit at a job interview, it’s what makes people decide if they’re going to take you seriously. it’s the foundation of trust. And let's face it, in the world of financial services, trust is not something you can afford to compromise.
Imagine this: you're about to entrust a company with your money. You're browsing through their app, and the design is... well, let’s say it's giving off a very "I just learned how to use Canva yesterday" vibe. How comfortable are you with handing over your life savings to that app? Exactly. Branding plays a huge role in making people feel like their money is in safe hands. If your branding is inconsistent or looks unprofessional, it's a huge red flag. And for fintech, a red flag is the last thing you want.
How does it help new players in the fast-paced world of finance not only look good but feel credible and trustworthy? It all comes down to understanding the delicate balance of design, psychology, and compliance.
The role of color in fintech branding: Trust and growth.
When you think of a fintech brand, what colors come to mind? Most likely, it’s a palette of blues and greens. But have you ever wondered why those colors are so prevalent in the industry?
Here’s the thing: color theory isn’t just about choosing pretty hues. It's about tapping into the subconscious psychology of your audience. Blue, for instance, symbolizes trust, stability, and security.
Beyond just building trust, blue also conveys professionalism and competence. It’s a color that signals authority and stability, crucial elements for any bank trying to build credibility. And on top of that, blue has universal appeal. Whether in the West or the East, blue is associated with loyalty, peace, and truth, making it a go-to choice for global brands.
Why Green?
Green is a popular choice for banks because it symbolizes prosperity and trust—qualities customers want when handing over their money. It’s the color of "growth," whether that’s growing savings, investments, or financial independence.
The color evokes a sense of security and reliability, giving customers confidence that their finances are in safe hands.
User Psychology & Persona: Designing for the Mind
Speaking of user psychology, Understanding your audience is non-negotiable. Companies aren’t just selling products—they’re selling experiences. And experiences need to connect on an emotional level.
Branding is dynamic—it shifts with every audience: What resonates with one group might not work with another. So if your branding isn’t evolving with your audience, you’re missing the mark. Let’s break it down:
Millennials are all about authenticity and purpose. Just look at Patagonia, their “Don’t Buy This Jacket” campaign wasn’t about selling, it was a challenge to think sustainably. Millennials want brands with values, get on their level, and you’re in.
Gen Z? Bold, unapologetic, and ready to laugh. Look at Nike and their partnership with Colin Kaepernick—taking a stand for something controversial and meaningful. Taco Bell’s TikTok game is all about memes and humor. For Gen Z, it’s less about the product and more about how you show up.
And Boomers? They want reliability. Ford and Coca-Cola have built decades of trust on no-nonsense, classic messaging. If your brand speaks to their sense of tradition, you’ve got their loyalty.
Same with when you’re targeting customers in the US, India, or elsewhere. Each market brings its own set of expectations, values, and trends.
We spent some serious time diving into fintech user psychology, and here's what stood out the most:
Branding isn’t a one-time thing, it’s a constant evolution.
Stay in the loop: know what’s happening with your users, your competitors, and the market.
Manual tracking? That’s old school, time to move on.
What if we could not only learn all this but also continuously track and update it? It’s not enough to simply be functional. A brand’s design needs to align with its users' mindsets and goals. Blursday helps its clients bring their ideas to life in a way that speaks directly to the people they aim to serve.
Compliance regulations & more: The legal side of design.
Failing to understand your market? That’s not just a missed opportunity—it's a legal landmine waiting to explode. For fintech, the rules are a moving target, and one wrong move could cost you. No matter where you are across the globe, each market has its own quirky set of regulations, consumer protection laws, and data privacy rules. Think of it like trying to play poker with a different deck in every country.
Misunderstanding local quirks—like how people use money, speak, or what they actually need from your services could turn your compliance strategy into a house of cards. One wrong move, and boom, you could be facing fines, lawsuits, or even the dreaded shutdown. Take data privacy for example: what's perfectly legal in one country could land you in hot water in another.
And if you don’t adapt to what your customers actually expect from you? Let’s just say, consumer trust is a fragile thing. One misstep and you could go from ‘innovative fintech’ to ‘class-action lawsuit waiting to happen.’
Keeping up with everything can feel like a full-time job in itself. Luckily, you don't have to do it alone.
Compliance? Handled.
Blursday is like that friend who’s always keeping an eye on the latest regulations, so you don’t have to stress about it. We get it—compliance can be a headache, and you’ve got enough on your plate.
Real-time tracking? Oh yeah.
Let’s say you wrote an article two years ago about a regulation that’s now outdated. Blursday will be the first to raise its hand and say, "Hey, this needs an update!" Talk about staying ahead of the game.
Review cycles? Cut in half.
Forget the days of waiting for the expert to wade through endless design feedback. With Blursday, product and marketing teams are always on the same page, ensuring everyone’s updated in real-time, with no manual checks required.