Financial services marketing needs an approval process as well as creative work. An unchecked claim or a review reply that exposes private information can undermine trust. This is a working list of questions to check before publication.
The rules and guidelines to check against
- SEBI advertisement code for investment advisers and research analysts
- RBI fair-practices expectations for lenders and NBFCs
- IRDAI advertisement regulations for insurance
- AMFI guidelines for mutual fund distributors
These are pointers for review, not legal advice. Confirm the specifics with a qualified adviser.
What a trustworthy financial services brand visibly shows
- Registration numbers (SEBI/RBI/IRDAI/AMFI) displayed
- Fees and charges disclosed up front
- Grievance officer and escalation route
- No assured-return language
Common questions to review
Can a financial adviser promise returns in marketing?
No. Regulators prohibit assured or guaranteed return claims for investment products. Marketing should explain the service, fees and risks, show the registration number and use the prescribed disclosures.
How do financial brands build trust online?
By being transparent: registration details, fees, who the service is for, how complaints are handled and educational content without hype. Consistent, compliant communication builds more trust than aggressive offers.
A quick pre-publication check
- Every promotional message carries the required registration number and risk disclosure.
- Fees, charges and eligibility are visible before someone submits their details.
- Your firm explains in one sentence who it serves and what it does not do.
If any of these is a “no”, fix it before spending on promotion. You can score all eight checks in two minutes with the free brand health check.
Want this checked for your financial adviser?
Clear financial communication, supported by evidence and reviewed before publication. Start with diagnose the problem from ₹35,000, or take the free two-minute brand check.
