Being seen isn’t the same as being trusted

A logo on an event banner won’t make your firm a trusted name in the financial sector. Visibility is important, but credibility is what sets firms apart. 

• What do people think when they hear your firm’s name? 

• Do they trust you as a thought leader? 

• Do you show great leadership qualities? 

• Would they recommend you to a colleague? 

Brand awareness isn’t just about being seen. In the finance sector, where relationships drive business, firms that have a strong reputation have a big advantage. 

The strongest firms aren’t just well known locally, they leverage their reputation to support their success in the UK and beyond. A positive local reputation  provides the foundation for credibility when entering new markets. 

That’s where PR agencies come in. PR can help an organisation turn awareness into trust. 

Getting your firm featured in local and UK industry media isn’t about vanity; it’s about positioning. Are you the go-to expert when regulatory changes hit? Do journalists call you for insights on market trends? If not, you’re missing an opportunity to shape conversations and position your firm as a leader. This is particularly important in highly supervised sectors like financial services, where it has become harder to stand out through services which are constrained by regulatory requirements. 

People don’t do business with just a logo, they want to do business with people. We showcase the individuals behind the logo, highlighting their expertise and building authority. 

Being visible in the right spaces, whether that’s industry panels, regulatory discussions or roundtables, cements your firm’s credibility. The goal isn’t just to show up but to be a respected voice in the industry. We’ve noticed that ‘personal brand’ has become a bit of a buzzword recently amongst marketeers, however, as reputation specialists, we’ve got long-term experience in advising leaders on how to build trust and turn that into brand currency.  

Your firm’s reputation doesn’t just influence clients, it directly impacts your ability to attract top talent.  

In a competitive financial services job market, the next generation want more than a paycheck, they want leaders they respect, a firm that aligns with their values and a workplace that prioritises culture as much as the bottom line. 

Firms that invest in their employer brand make recruitment easier. Here’s how Black Vanilla can help you do this: 

• Internal comms and nurturing employees to become brand advocates – a strong internal culture translates into positive word-of-mouth, both online and offline. 

• Showcasing your company culture isn’t just a job post, but real stories about what makes your firm a great place to work. 

• Thought leadership that shows your people as industry experts. People want to work for firms with a clear vision and respected leaders. 

• You can’t buy trust. You have to build it. And that’s what strategic and consistent PR campaigns can do for your organisation. 

At Black Vanilla, we help financial services firms across the Channel Islands tell their stories, strengthen their reputations and stand out in a crowded market. 

If you’re ready to be more than just visible, if you want to be truly known, get in touch.