top of page
Search
Writer's pictureMay Myo Set Htwe

Revolut: An Attempt to Disrupt Marketing

The financial industry, in today's digital age, moves at a pace that can make one's head spin. With each passing day, innovation becomes the driving force behind progress, pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible. In a realm where change is the only constant, new and dynamic players are stepping onto the scene, armed with groundbreaking ideas and a steadfast determination to reshape our entire perception of money.


In this era of financial transformation, one name consistently emerges as a trailblazer: Revolut. But the Revolut story isn't just about revolutionizing the way we bank; it extends beyond to challenge the very essence of marketing itself. It's a tale that transcends the narrative of a fintech company rising to prominence; instead, it's a testament to the remarkable power of disruptive thinking in a world where complacency with the status quo is no longer acceptable.


As Antoine Le Nel, Vice President of Growth at Revolut, eloquently put it in a conversation with Marketing Week last year, "We want to disrupt marketing the way we disrupt banking. That's really our aim. I personally enjoy this idea of defining the playbook for the whole industry."



Revolut's "Your Way In" Campaign: Challenging Stereotypes


Revolut's journey to redefine both banking and marketing is marked by progressive growth, boasting an impressive 5 million customers in the United Kingdom alone. Their audacious move towards challenging the norms of marketing was epitomized in their largest-ever integrated brand campaign titled "Your Way In." This campaign sought to shatter financial stereotypes, showcasing the seamless and efficient transactions facilitated by Revolut.


The campaign's commercial videos carry a playful and empowering tone, featuring exaggerated scenarios that resonate with viewers. From a young woman effortlessly requesting money while her friend sweats it out on an exercise bike to a man jet-skiing on an armchair to help his 'bae' purchase a cup in Singapore dollars—these scenarios capture the essence of Revolut's unique approach.




The Bold Choice of TV as the Hero Channel

One striking aspect of Revolut's campaign is the choice of TV as its hero channel—a rather unconventional move, especially for a brand at the forefront of technology adoption. Revolut, however, sees TV as an underappreciated and underrated channel. The head of integrated media at Revolut argues, "It's a channel that almost everybody watches every day, even among younger audiences, and it delivers markedly different performance. Moreover, it contributes significantly to performance on other channels and generates substantial brand awareness. So, we're exceptionally confident in our choice of TV."


While TV takes the spotlight, the "Your Way In" campaign maintains a strong presence across a spectrum of essential channels, including digital TV, OOH billboards, digital marketing channels, podcasts, and more.


Will TV Become a Primary Channel for Fintech?

As Revolut challenges the status quo of marketing, a pertinent question arises: Will TV emerge as a primary channel for fintech companies? It's a query that gains significance in the wake of recent developments in the crypto world. During the 56th Super Bowl, top players in the crypto sphere, including Coinbase and eToro, made headlines by securing a substantial share of ad placements. The Super Bowl was even playfully dubbed the "Crypto Bowl" in light of this surge. However, fast forward to the 2023 Super Bowl, and crypto ads were conspicuously absent. The chasm between these two Super Bowls reveals a narrative of highs and lows. Between May 2022 and the 2023 Super Bowl, a series of setbacks shook the crypto landscape, ranging from the Terra and Luna fallout to the bankruptcy and criminal fraud charges leveled against Sam Bankman-Fried of FTX. These events serve as a stark reminder that enthusiasm and innovation alone cannot propel fintech innovations into the mainstream market. The road to widespread adoption is riddled with external factors such as regulatory policies, market readiness, and economic stability.


While Revolut may be unapologetically pushing the boundaries of financial marketing, many fintech businesses are treading cautiously. In this landscape, Bunq, often touted as the closest rival to Revolut, takes a distinct approach. Known as the "Bank of the Free," Bunq resonates with a younger audience by fostering a "personal connection" primarily through digital channels. These channels include search engines, social media platforms, and influencer marketing—a trifecta that epitomizes their commitment to engaging the digital-savvy generation. Ali Niknam, CEO of Bunq, encapsulates this approach when he states, "It's a marathon, not a sprint; we run our own race." As a seasoned social media marketer, I've observed brands that excel on these platforms, and Bunq is undoubtedly among them. Their social media strategies harness the features favored by each platform, stay attuned to emerging trends, and deliver content that resonates directly with their target audience.


Food for Thought

However, the question lingers: What's next for Bunq? Will they follow in Revolut's footsteps to bring their brand to the mainstream market, or will they continue running their own race?






7 views0 comments

Comentarios


bottom of page