Financial Services Industry Prepares for 2020 in New Report from FleishmanHillard

"We Are All Invested" Provides a Roadmap for Navigating Geopolitics, Polarization and Economic Volatility Around the World

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FleishmanHillard

Nov 13, 2019, 09:00 ET

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 13, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Against the uncertain backdrop of 2020, FleishmanHillard today released "We Are All Invested," a collection of expert points of view on changing geopolitical dynamics, new definitions of corporate purpose and trends in technology, commerce and behavioral finance.

The report offers financial services companies a look ahead to the challenges and opportunities that exist for the sector in 2020. Grounded in the expertise of FleishmanHillard Financial Services and Reputation Management counselors from all over the world, the report provides insightful points of view, backed by data from FleishmanHillard's 2019 Authenticity Gap Study, to help businesses navigate a rapidly evolving landscape and position themselves for long-term success.

"'We Are All Invested' is a clarion call," said Emily K. Graham, co-lead of FleishmanHillard's Financial and Professional Services sector in the Americas. "What's at stake is deeply personal for many of us and it speaks to values, ethics and responsibility. The financial and professional services sector has much to do to get its own house in order in terms of diversity and inclusion, gender equality, environmental impact and more. But it is also positioned to lead and bring other sectors along as it seeks to make those strides forward. FleishmanHillard is here to help organizations understand the issues, overcome the challenges and take purposeful action – because we're invested too."

In 2020 and beyond, the intersection of authenticity and purpose is what will power the most successful (and profitable) businesses, allowing them to connect with their stakeholders and seize new opportunities. "We Are All Invested" addresses many themes being experienced in society today, with insight on how the financial industry can navigate them. Topics include:

Supporting Financial Health Across Generations
Each generation is facing its own set of financial obstacles. From GenZ which emerged on the job market during a recession with less earning potential to Generation X which is trying to determine how much they need to save to retire to the baby boomers who are hoping their retirement funds will last. Financial literacy is one key to increase financial wellness across the age spectrum. And because receiving better value is the most important expectation consumers have when evaluating companies in the investment industry, providing consumers more for the proverbial buck can offer a competitive advantage.

Enacting Purpose
Nearly 70% of consumers want organizations to demonstrate not just customer benefits, but greater positive societal and environmental impact. For financial services companies, being able to define, articulate and put rigor behind purpose strategies is key. Financial services providers are also in the unique position to transform the infrastructure of our global financial system to empower and reward those companies that look beyond shareholders to stakeholders — and beyond profits to purpose.

Going Digital
Massive global adoption of mobile wallets, contactless cards and other digital payment options is designed to make non-cash transactions significantly easier. But a cashless society isn't without its critics. Discussion of the unbanked or underbanked being left behind, along with concerns about the security of going cashless, are slowing its progress in some markets. But a cashless future is only a matter of time. As the transition happens, financial institutions need to focus on data security and data privacy, two items on the top of consumers' lists of what they care about – 83% and 82% respectively – communicating clearly about what they are doing and why.

To learn more about our insights and strategies, download "We Are All Invested."

The Authenticity Gap study was conducted by FleishmanHillard's TRUE Global Intelligence™ practice. The survey included a total of 7,364 engaged consumers in Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, U.K. and the U.S., 18 years of age and older. Engaged consumers represent on average 29% of the population of adults. The survey was fielded online between April 19 and May 22, 2019.

About FleishmanHillard
FleishmanHillard specializes in public relations, reputation management, public affairs, brand marketing, digital strategy, social engagement and content strategy. FleishmanHillard was named Agency of the Year at the 2017 and 2018 North American Excellence Awards; 2017 and 2018 ICCO Network of the Year for the Americas; 2019 PRWeek U.S. Outstanding Large Agency; 2019 Holmes Report North America Large Agency of the Year; 2018 Large Consultancy of the Year by PRWeek UK; PR News' Best Places to Work in PR 2016-2018; Human Rights Campaign Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality for 2018 and 2019; PR Awards Asia 2017 Greater China Agency of the Year; and NAFE's "Top Companies for Executive Women" for 2010-2019. The firm's award-winning work is widely heralded, including at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity. FleishmanHillard is part of Omnicom Public Relations Group, and has more than 80 offices in 30 countries, plus affiliates in 43 countries.

About Omnicom Public Relations Group
Omnicom Public Relations Group is a global collective of three of the top global public relations agencies worldwide and specialist agencies in areas including public affairs, marketing to women, global health strategy and corporate social responsibility. It encompasses more than 6,300 public relations professionals in more than 370 offices worldwide who provide their expertise to companies, government agencies, NGOs and non-profits across a wide range of industries. Omnicom Public Relations Group delivers for clients through a relentless focus on talent, continuous pursuit of innovation and a culture steeped in collaboration. Omnicom Public Relations Group is part of the DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) that includes more than 200 companies in a wide range of marketing disciplines including advertising, public relations, healthcare, customer relationship management, events, promotional marketing, branding and research.

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