How Finance & Banking Companies Use Press Releases
Press releases are one of the most effective ways for banks and financial companies to share their announcements, but writing a release that captures attention and meets regulatory standards isn’t always easy. Whether you work for a FinTech, investment firm or you’re wondering how banks use press releases, we’ve got tips, examples and templates to help your news get noticed.
How Finance Companies Use Press Releases (with Examples)
Financial institutions rely on press releases for several essential purposes: They keep the public informed, build credibility and grow awareness of your brand. Here’s a closer look at some examples of finance company press release topics that have proven successful at generating media coverage.
Market Communication
Financial companies are required by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to publicly disclose earnings and material news, which includes things like mergers and acquisitions and stock splits. They also use press releases to annouce new hires and other major strategic decisions. In addition to SEC compliance, market-focused press releases help maintain investor confidence by keeping them in the know about the company’s performance.
In the finance company press release example below, the organization announces a new hire using best practices like providing an image, using quotes and including media contact information.
Example: Cornerstone Home Lending Promotes Jay Crowell to President of National Retail Division
Product and Service Launches
The financial industry has always been competitive, and now, companies are racing to the front of the digital transformation. That means there’s plenty of new products and services to announce.
Whether it’s a new line of business, financial product or digital banking mobile app, a press release allows you to highlight the new product or service’s unique features and how it meets customer needs. Product launch press releases create more visibility and buzz for your target audience and up-level brand awareness.
In this example, UBS announces a new fund available on its platform. The press release is available in eight languages, underscoring the global reach of UBS.
Example: UBS Asset Management Launches Its First Tokenised Money Market Fund, Available Through DigiFT
Crisis Management
As you’re learning how banks use press releases, crisis management will be at the top of the list. Thanks to the sensitive information they handle, financial institutions are often a target of cybercrime. And with all the regulatory compliance required, sometimes things slip through the cracks. A strong crisis press release shows that your institution is handling the situation responsibly and can help protect your reputation.
In 2019, Capital One had one of the largest data breaches at the time, affecting over 100 million accounts. They used PR Newswire to provide information about the breach, and it remains an excellent bank press release example for crisis communications.
Example: Capital One Announces Data Security Incident
Brand Building and CSR
Beyond the numbers, financial companies also use press releases to share stories that build their brand image. Announcing community initiatives, sustainability efforts and environmental, social and governance (ESG) programs shows your institution’s commitment to making a positive impact. These types of press releases reinforce your brand values and help build a positive reputation with clients, investors and the community.
The banking press release example below combines ESG with market communications, leveraging an annual report format to gain even more attention for the organization.
Example: Flagstar Bank Releases 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance Report
Tips for Financial and Banking Press Releases
From timing to compliance, there are several unique factors to keep in mind when writing a finance or banking press release.
Get Your Timing Right
Timing is critical in financial press releases. Always release market-sensitive information outside of trading hours to avoid impacting the market. For compliance-related press releases, coordinate your timing with regulatory filing requirements. If you’re a global organization, consider all relevant time zones. Understanding market conditions and the news cycle can also help you choose the best time to maximize your release’s impact.
Avoid Jargon
The finance industry can be heavy on technical language, but not everyone reading your release will have a financial background. Avoid jargon that could confuse non-technical readers. If you must use technical terms, provide a quick explanation or context to help your audience understand complex information, and always spell out acronyms and explain them at the first usage.
Use Quotes and Visual Assets
Using quotes and multimedia in your press release adds credibility. Include quotes from relevant executives, like your CEO or another spokesperson, and consider adding an industry expert’s perspective if applicable. Multimedia assets, such as graphs or images, help bring your release to life and make it more engaging.
Be Clear and Fact Check
A clear, accurate press release builds trust and helps you avoid potential legal issues. Use straightforward language, avoid sensational claims and always fact-check your information. Include any required disclaimers and have an internal expert review or legal team review the release to avoid mistakes.
Find the Right Distribution Strategy
To reach investors, stakeholders and relevant financial industry players, you’re going to need a targeted distribution strategy. Use a recognized service to target journalists and media outlets that focus on finance, banking or even more specific sectors you’re targeting. Social media channels can also be powerful, especially for breaking news or real-time updates.
Three Finance and Banking Press Release Templates
If you’re still not sure how banks use press releases or how to write one, using a template can save you time and help you focus on what matters. Here are three templates for press release formats that are designed for common types of financial and banking releases.
New Product Launch
This finance company press release template highlights what makes a new product, service or technology unique, who it’s for and how it fits into current market needs. Include any relevant data or quotes that show how the product offers value to clients and investors.
Subject line: [Bank Name] Introduces [Product Name] to [Solve Specific Problem]
[CITY, STATE] – [Date] – [Bank Name] today announced the launch of [Product Name], a new [product category] designed to [primary benefit]. This innovative solution addresses [specific market need] while providing [key features].
[Quote from executive about product significance]
Key features:
[Feature 1]
[Feature 2]
[Feature 3]
For more information about [Product Name], visit [website] or contact [contact information].
Financial Announcement
A financial announcement template works well for quarterly earnings, new investments or major strategic changes that impact investor relations. This template will help you outline key figures, summarize market impact and give investors and clients the big picture. Keep it clear and concise, and remember to include disclaimers.
Subject line: [Bank Name] Reports [Quarter/Year] Financial Results
[CITY, STATE] – [Date] – [Bank Name] (NYSE: XXX) today reported net income of $XXX million for the [quarter/year] ended [date], representing a XX% increase from the same period last year.
Financial highlights:
Net revenue: $XXX million
Operating income: $XXX million
Earnings per share: $X.XX
[Quote from CEO or CFO discussing results]
[Additional context about business performance]
For more information about [Organization], visit [website] or contact [contact information].
New Hire
When you have a major new hire or leadership change, a press release can help communicate the person’s experience, goals and potential impact on the company. This new hire bank press release template focuses on qualifications, past roles and why they’re a great fit for your organization.
Subject line: [Bank Name] Welcomes [New Hire Name] as [New Position Title]
[CITY, STATE] – [Date] – [Bank Name] is pleased to announce the appointment of [New Hire Name] as [New Position Title]. In this role, [New Hire Name] will be responsible for [primary responsibilities or focus areas], bringing [his/her/their] [specific expertise or years of experience] to the [department or function].
[New Hire Name] joins [Bank Name] from [Previous Company Name], where [he/she/they] served as [Previous Position Title] and was instrumental in [mention significant achievements, initiatives or relevant experience]. With a strong background in [relevant skill or industry area], [New Hire Name] brings valuable insights to [Bank Name] as it continues to [mention a relevant business goal].
“[Brief quote from an executive, such as the CEO, on why this hire is important],” said [CEO Name], CEO of [Bank Name].
In [his/her/their] new role, [New Hire Name] will focus on:
Strategic Initiative #1: [Describe briefly, e.g., “Enhancing compliance processes to align with new regulations”]
Strategic Initiative #2: [Describe briefly, e.g., “Developing and implementing customer engagement programs”]
Strategic Initiative #3: [Describe briefly, e.g., “Supporting digital banking initiatives”]
[New Hire Name] holds a [degree or certification, if applicable] in [field of study] from [University/College Name] and is an active member of [mention any relevant industry organizations or boards].
For more information about [New Hire Name] and [Bank Name], please visit [website URL] or contact [PR contact information].
Drive Results with Expert Finance and Banking Press Releases
If you work in the financial industry, learning how banks use press releases is an important part of your overall PR strategy. From product launches to earnings announcements, press releases keep clients, investors and the public informed about your organization — and build positive brand awareness.
With the industry’s largest press release distribution network, including newsrooms, investor relations websites and journalists, PR Newswire gets your press release in front of the right audience, at the right time. Innovative services like SocialBoost boost social sharing, while Guaranteed Paid Placement gets your story on trusted sites. Start sending press releases today and see how we can help you raise your organization’s profile.
FAQs
How do banks use press releases?
Banks use press releases to keep the public and their stakeholders informed about important news. Press releases help banks meet regulatory requirements by making certain information public, like quarterly earnings or compliance updates. They’re also a great way to share new products and services, address crises and communicate brand-building efforts.
What should a finance company press release include?
A finance press release should be clear, accurate and relevant. Start with a strong headline and an introduction that summarizes the news. Add important details, such as statistics and dates. Including quotes from key executives and adding visual assets, like charts or images, can help explain the news further. And don’t forget disclaimers and other compliance-related information.
How do finance companies use press releases to improve brand awareness?
Finance companies use press releases to share newsworthy information that builds their brand’s reputation. Announcements on awards, sustainability efforts or community initiatives show the company’s values and commitment to positive change. By consistently sharing their achievements and values, finance companies strengthen their brand awareness and trust.
The finance industry offers plenty of compelling reasons to send a press release, from merger news to executive updates to market analysis. Want help finding the right angle for your press release? Download 10 Newsworthy Reasons to Send a Press Release and use it as your go-to resource whenever you need fresh ideas for your next announcement.