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The Best B2C Fintech Marketing Case Studies

  • Writer: Henry McIntosh
    Henry McIntosh
  • Sep 1
  • 16 min read

Updated: Sep 3

The UK’s B2C fintech market is highly competitive, requiring companies to balance trust, compliance, and innovation to succeed. This article highlights key strategies used by leading fintech brands like Paysend, Nuvei, and Klarna, covering topics such as user segmentation, celebrity endorsements, influencer partnerships, and UX/UI redesigns. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Paysend: Focused on user segmentation and multi-channel marketing, tailoring campaigns for diverse UK demographics with multi-language efforts and behavioural insights.
  • Nuvei: Leveraged celebrity endorsements (e.g., Ryan Reynolds) to build trust and boost brand recognition, while adhering to strict regulatory guidelines.
  • Klarna: Used influencer partnerships and data-driven social media campaigns to engage Gen Z shoppers and drive purchases directly through influencer pages.
  • UX/UI Redesign: A UK fintech startup improved user retention and conversions by simplifying onboarding, enhancing accessibility, and prioritising mobile-first design.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Tailored Engagement: Personalisation, like Paysend’s segmentation or Klarna’s influencer matching, resonates with diverse audiences.
  2. Building Trust: Transparent messaging and endorsements (e.g., Nuvei) help overcome consumer hesitancy in financial services.
  3. Compliance Matters: Adhering to FCA and GDPR regulations is essential for maintaining credibility and avoiding penalties.
  4. User Experience: Simplified, accessible designs improve retention and reduce drop-offs, as seen in the UX/UI overhaul.

These strategies showcase how fintech companies can connect with UK consumers by addressing their needs, habits, and concerns while navigating a strict regulatory environment.


Marketing to Gen-Z in Fintech: Driving successful campaign & building social growth by 200% | BigPay


Case Study: Paysend - User Segmentation and Multi-Channel Marketing

London-based Paysend has fine-tuned its global money transfer strategy by combining user segmentation with multi-channel marketing. Operating in the UK’s diverse, multicultural market, the company has crafted campaigns that address the unique financial needs and behaviours of its varied audience. This approach highlights the balance between innovation and consumer trust that is essential in the UK fintech space.

Paysend divides its audience into distinct groups: migrant workers, international students, and small business owners managing cross-border finances. This segmentation forms the backbone of their targeted and effective campaigns.

One standout feature of their strategy is their multi-language marketing efforts, designed to reflect the UK's cultural diversity. By tailoring campaigns in languages such as Polish, Romanian, Turkish, and Hindi, Paysend connects more meaningfully with communities across Britain.

To further enhance customer engagement, Paysend analyses user behaviour to strategically time push notifications. This ensures messages are delivered when users are most likely to engage, avoiding unnecessary interruptions.

Their social media efforts complement this broader strategy. On Facebook, they foster a sense of community by sharing relatable experiences. Instagram is used to tell visual stories of travel and studying abroad, while LinkedIn delivers tailored insights aimed at small business owners.

Paysend also leverages WhatsApp Business to provide real-time updates and dedicated support, particularly appealing to older demographics. This direct communication channel improves customer satisfaction and simplifies the overall service experience.

Additionally, advanced retargeting plays a key role in their strategy. By addressing concerns such as exchange rate fluctuations and fee structures, they effectively re-engage users who may have abandoned transactions.


Key Takeaways for Fintech Marketers

  • Adapt to cultural diversity: Tailoring strategies to local cultural and financial habits is essential for connecting with diverse customer segments.
  • Timing matters: Analysing user behaviour to optimise communication timing boosts engagement without overwhelming users.
  • Channel alignment: Different platforms resonate with different demographics. For example, visually rich platforms like Instagram often appeal to younger users, while older audiences may prefer direct channels like WhatsApp.
  • Go beyond demographics: Behavioural segmentation can provide deeper insights and improve campaign performance compared to relying solely on demographic data.
  • Track effectively: Multi-channel attribution tracking offers valuable insights into the customer journey, helping to refine marketing strategies.
  • Build trust through clarity: Customising regulatory and compliance messages for specific user groups fosters trust and ensures clearer communication.

Case Study: Nuvei – Celebrity Endorsement for Brand Recognition

On 17 April 2023, Nuvei Corporation announced a partnership with Ryan Reynolds, a figure widely admired for his entrepreneurial achievements. Known for his involvement in high-growth ventures, Reynolds brought a level of credibility that aligned well with Nuvei's ambitions. This collaboration not only highlighted the company's Canadian heritage but also strengthened its position in the highly competitive fintech industry [1]. By teaming up with a high-profile figure like Reynolds, Nuvei demonstrated how fintech brands can use celebrity partnerships to break down traditional trust barriers.

Celebrity endorsements in fintech are a powerful tool for building trust and attracting attention. In this case, Reynolds' involvement helped demystify complex financial concepts, making them more relatable to everyday consumers. His entrepreneurial background added an extra layer of authenticity, bridging the gap between technical fintech solutions and the needs of the general public.


Celebrity Campaigns in the UK Market

Taking this concept further, campaigns tailored to the UK audience highlight the unique advantages of celebrity endorsements. For UK consumers, trust and authenticity are key. Endorsements resonate most when they come across as genuine, with celebrities demonstrating a clear connection to the product or service.

In the UK, celebrity partnerships often leverage the close relationship between entertainment and finance. Figures like Reynolds, with their international appeal, help fintech brands convey a global image while staying relevant to local audiences. For companies targeting UK consumers, the most effective campaigns focus on practical benefits and how financial technology can solve everyday problems. British audiences respond well to clear, no-nonsense messaging that prioritises real-world value over flashy promotions.

It’s worth noting that UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) guidelines require transparent disclosure in such campaigns, ensuring that endorsements remain honest and compliant.


Case Study: Klarna - Influencer Partnerships and Social Media

Klarna has taken a bold approach to digital engagement by harnessing the power of influencer partnerships to build trust and connect with consumers. In November 2022, the Swedish buy-now-pay-later leader introduced its Creator Platform in the UK. This platform is designed to match retailers with influencers using a data-driven system, while also tracking performance metrics in real time [4].

The platform operates with clear criteria: influencers must consistently produce high-quality content, demonstrate strong engagement on at least one social media platform, and align visually with the partner brands. This ensures that every collaboration feels genuine and maintains a consistent brand image.

What sets Klarna apart is its focus on creating emotional connections with audiences, rather than just transactional interactions [6]. Their campaigns are tailored to user preferences, particularly targeting Gen Z consumers. This strategy has paid off - 33% of Gen Z shoppers have tried new brands because of creative and engaging marketing efforts [5].


The effectiveness of the Klarna Creator Platform is evident through the experiences of influencers like Lydia Tomlinson and Amelia Liana. Lydia shared her perspective on the platform's benefits:

"Since using the Klarna Creator Platform, I have found multiple benefits which I haven't experienced from other affiliate link apps I've used. I think the most useful tool is the one that allows brands to see the stats behind my content, and in the short space of me using the app, this has led to establishing relationships and gaining sponsored work with brands that align well with my style." [2]

Amelia Liana echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the platform's usability and its impact on her collaborations:

"Klarna Creator Platform is my go-to for a slick, clean and easy to use platform. It provides easy contact with brands for potential collaborations with a great range of insights to improve earning and discover what my audience are enjoying. Not only are all the brands I love on the platform but I've also enjoyed discovering new brands via the platform. My favourite feature is the up to date news and current promotions, I also love the recommendations page which suggests fashion pieces my audience might like too." [2]

The platform’s real-time analytics allow influencers to identify products that resonate with their audience. This not only enhances the relevance of their content but also delivers measurable results.


Influencer Marketing Results in the UK

The numbers speak for themselves: 41% of British shoppers have made purchases directly from influencer pages, with this figure rising to 55% among Gen Z [4]. Klarna’s blend of authenticity and analytics has proven to be a winning formula, demonstrating its ability to scale effectively.

Klarna's success in the UK is further reflected in its rapid user growth among those aged 46–51 [3], as well as its global expansion. After launching in the US in October 2022, the Creator Platform quickly became available in all active regions [3]. This broad appeal highlights the scalability of Klarna’s influencer-focused strategy.

For fintech companies looking to replicate Klarna's success, the key lies in aligning influencer attributes with brand messaging. Klarna's ability to experiment with fresh ideas and embrace unconventional strategies has helped it stand out in a competitive market. Notably, 33% of Gen Z consumers are drawn to brands that feature "cool" content or imagery, compared to 27% of other age groups [5]. These insights underline the importance of culturally relevant, analytics-driven influencer campaigns in the fintech space.


Case Study: UX/UI Redesign for a UK Fintech Startup

A London-based digital banking startup faced a tough challenge: low user engagement and poor conversion rates. Their mobile app, launched with a basic interface, struggled to retain users, with many dropping out during the onboarding process.

The initial app had several common fintech pitfalls. The account verification process was overly complicated, requiring users to navigate multiple screens and unclear documentation steps. The visual hierarchy was muddled, making it hard for users to focus on key actions. On top of that, the colour scheme didn’t meet accessibility standards, creating additional barriers for users with visual impairments.

To tackle these issues, the company began with focused user research across major UK cities. This revealed critical points where users abandoned the app, particularly during onboarding, highlighting the need for a more intuitive experience.


The Redesign Process

The design team made targeted improvements to address these pain points. The onboarding process was streamlined by combining document upload and verification into a single step. Clear progress indicators were added, giving users a better sense of where they were in the process and what to expect next.

Visually, the app got a major facelift. A WCAG 2.1-compliant colour palette was introduced, using high-contrast fonts to improve readability. Micro-animations were added to provide instant feedback during actions like loading or submission, reducing uncertainty for users.

The account dashboard also underwent a major overhaul. The original version overwhelmed users with too much financial data on one screen. The redesign prioritised frequently used features, such as account balances and recent transactions, while moving secondary functions to clearly labelled sections. This reorganisation made the app easier to navigate and use.


The Results

The redesigned app delivered impressive results within months. Conversion rates, user retention, and deposits all increased significantly. At the same time, support inquiries dropped as users found the app easier to navigate independently.


Lessons from UX/UI Improvements

This case study highlights the importance of aligning design with user expectations in the competitive fintech world. Simplicity wins - users want to complete tasks quickly and with confidence, especially when dealing with sensitive financial matters.

Accessibility played a key role in the redesign’s success. By adhering to WCAG guidelines, the startup not only expanded its user base but also improved the experience for all users. Features like clear contrast ratios and readable fonts benefit everyone, not just those with visual impairments.

The team also embraced , introducing features gradually rather than overwhelming users with everything at once. This approach reduced cognitive load and made the app more approachable, while still catering to advanced users who needed additional functionality.

Localisation was another critical factor. UK users responded positively to familiar terms like "current account" instead of "checking account", and seeing monetary values formatted correctly (e.g. £1,234.56) reinforced trust and comfort.

Real-time feedback mechanisms further boosted user confidence. Simple animations and confirmation messages reassured users during key actions like money transfers or account setup, reducing anxiety and avoiding duplicate submissions.

The redesign also focused on mobile-first thinking, crucial in a market where many users rely on smartphones. Features like biometric authentication and one-handed navigation made the app more practical and user-friendly.

Finally, iterative testing was key to success. Regular user testing sessions helped the team catch and fix issues early, avoiding costly mistakes during the final rollout.

For fintech companies considering a redesign, the takeaway is clear: balance modern innovation with familiarity. Users want sleek, efficient tools that feel secure and trustworthy. By blending tried-and-true design elements with meaningful usability improvements, fintech startups can create experiences that truly resonate.


Comparison: Success Factors in B2C Fintech Campaigns

B2C fintech campaigns in the UK reveal several key elements that drive both customer acquisition and retention. By examining examples from companies like Paysend, Nuvei, and Klarna, alongside recent UX/UI improvements, we can identify recurring strategies that underpin their success.

Multi-Channel StrategiesUsing multiple channels allows businesses to deliver tailored content to specific audience segments. For instance, influencer partnerships can engage consumers already active on social media, while targeted campaigns ensure meaningful connections with diverse customer groups. This approach enhances reach and relevance.

Building TrustTrust is a cornerstone for fintech, as consumers often approach new financial services cautiously. Endorsements, when applied thoughtfully, can boost credibility, while localised UX/UI improvements help create a sense of reliability and familiarity.

PersonalisationPersonalisation moves away from generic messaging by tailoring communications to specific user segments. By focusing on individual needs and preferences, fintech companies like Paysend, Nuvei, and Klarna have successfully fostered more engaging and relevant interactions. This focus on personalisation is a hallmark of effective fintech campaigns in the UK.


Campaign Comparison Table

The table below highlights the strengths, limitations, and ideal applications of different campaign types:

Campaign Type

Primary Strength

Key Limitation

Best For

Multi-channel segmentation

Precise targeting with higher conversion potential

Resource-intensive to manage across platforms

Fintechs with an established, diverse user base

Celebrity endorsement

Quick boost in brand recognition and trust

High upfront costs; relies on endorser's image

New market entrants seeking rapid awareness

Influencer partnerships

Genuine engagement with younger audiences

Requires ongoing relationship management

Products aimed at millennials/Gen Z

UX/UI optimisation

Long-term improvements in user experience

Slow to show significant results

Fintechs focused on enhancing user retention

Celebrity and influencer campaigns are great for generating immediate attention, while multi-channel segmentation and UX/UI improvements provide more sustainable growth over time.


Cost and Scalability Considerations

Cost is a major factor when choosing a campaign strategy. Celebrity endorsements often require significant upfront investment, whereas UX/UI improvements, though slower to show results, can deliver a better long-term return on investment. Multi-channel segmentation, while effective, can also be resource-heavy, especially for smaller teams.

Scalability is another important distinction. Strategies like UX enhancements and multi-channel segmentation can grow naturally with the company, adapting to larger audiences. In contrast, campaigns focused on celebrity endorsements may become increasingly complex and expensive to scale as the business expands into broader markets.


Regulatory Compliance and Market Timing

Regulatory compliance is crucial in fintech campaigns. For example, UX improvements must adhere to accessibility standards like WCAG 2.1, and endorsement campaigns require clear disclosures to ensure transparency. These considerations are particularly important in the UK, where fintech companies are expected to prioritise genuine value over short-term hype.

Timing also plays a critical role. In 2024, with economic challenges like high inflation and rising interest rates, campaigns that focus on measurable ROI and sustainable growth are more likely to succeed than those relying solely on viral trends or brand awareness [7].


Combining Strategies for Maximum Impact

Many successful fintech companies blend multiple strategies for greater effectiveness. For example, initial awareness might be built through influencer partnerships or selective endorsements, while long-term growth is supported by robust UX design and targeted segmentation. This layered approach ensures both immediate user acquisition and sustained customer loyalty over time.


Regulatory and Local Considerations for UK Fintech Marketing

Navigating the UK fintech marketing landscape means working within a complex web of regulations that shape how companies can promote their services. At the heart of this framework is the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which enforces strict rules on advertising and customer communications. For fintech firms, compliance isn't just a box to tick - it’s a critical part of building trust and staying competitive.


FCA Advertising Standards

The FCA requires all promotional materials to be clear, fair, and not misleading. This means avoiding exaggerated claims, oversimplified explanations, or unverified promises. Essentially, every piece of marketing must provide an honest and accurate representation of the product or service.


Consumer Duty Regulations

Introduced in July 2023, Consumer Duty rules have reshaped how fintech companies communicate with customers. Firms must now show that their products and services deliver positive outcomes for retail customers. This has shifted the focus of marketing efforts from merely driving sign-ups to emphasising value and transparency. As a result, many fintech companies have prioritised educational content and clearer pricing structures to meet these expectations.


Data Protection and GDPR Compliance

Under UK GDPR, fintech marketers must adhere to strict rules on consent and data handling, enforced by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The ICO has been particularly vigilant in overseeing data practices within the financial sector, making strong data governance a cornerstone of any marketing campaign. From obtaining explicit consent to ensuring secure data usage, fintech companies must tread carefully to avoid penalties.


Open Banking and Transparency

Open Banking regulations bring both opportunities and challenges for marketers. While they enable more personalised and innovative services, they also demand high levels of transparency. Companies must clearly explain how customer data will be used and ensure consent processes are straightforward and easily understood. Marketing materials should highlight the benefits customers receive in exchange for sharing their financial data, avoiding the trap of hiding key details in lengthy terms and conditions.


Building Trust with UK Consumers

British consumers tend to approach financial products cautiously, favouring gradual adoption over rapid change. This cultural preference means that trust-building campaigns often outperform aggressive sales tactics. Educational content that explains financial concepts and highlights the benefits of new products resonates more deeply with UK audiences, fostering long-term engagement.


Accessibility Standards

The Equality Act 2010 requires all digital marketing materials to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards. This includes features like alternative text for images, adequate colour contrast, and keyboard or screen reader navigation. For fintech companies, ensuring accessibility isn’t just about compliance - it’s about creating an inclusive experience that reaches all potential customers.


The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) plays a key role in regulating fintech marketing, especially on social media and through influencer partnerships. Recent rulings have highlighted the importance of transparency, requiring clear disclaimers when content is sponsored or when influencers have financial ties to a company. Marketing teams must ensure all promotional content includes appropriate disclaimers and risk warnings, regardless of the platform.


Regional Variations in Consumer Behaviour

Marketing strategies in the UK must also account for regional differences. For example, Scottish consumers may respond differently to financial messaging compared to those in London or the North of England. Tailoring campaigns to reflect these regional nuances can significantly boost engagement, as a one-size-fits-all approach often falls short.


Staying Ahead of Regulatory Changes

Regulatory updates, such as new FCA guidance or changes to cryptoasset and consumer credit rules, can disrupt campaign timelines. Successful fintech companies build flexibility into their marketing strategies, allowing for quick adjustments to comply with new regulations. Including regulatory review cycles during campaign planning can prevent costly delays and ensure compliance from the outset.

The UK’s regulatory environment is constantly evolving, and staying compliant requires ongoing vigilance. For fintech marketers, balancing these requirements with effective, trust-building campaigns is key to long-term success.


Conclusion and Key Lessons for Fintech Marketers

Looking at the strategies of Paysend, Nuvei, Klarna, and the UX/UI case study, a few essential lessons stand out for fintech marketers aiming to connect with UK consumers.

Personalisation drives engagement. Campaigns that cater to individual needs and preferences consistently perform better. For instance, Paysend’s user segmentation strategy showed how tailored messaging can significantly boost conversion rates. Similarly, Klarna’s customised social media content struck a chord with different demographic groups, proving that UK consumers are especially receptive to marketing that addresses their specific financial concerns.

Trust is non-negotiable. UK consumers place a high value on transparency and clarity, making trust-building a cornerstone of successful fintech marketing. Educational content and clear, straightforward value propositions often outperform traditional promotional efforts. This aligns well with the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) Consumer Duty regulations, which emphasise the importance of consumer protection and confidence.

A multi-channel approach is essential. Reaching diverse audiences requires creating multiple touchpoints. However, consistency across all channels is just as important as the breadth of engagement. A unified message helps build stronger connections with consumers.

Data-driven strategies lead to better results. The most effective campaigns set clear KPIs from the beginning and adjusted their tactics based on performance metrics. This approach not only improves outcomes but also ensures compliance with Consumer Duty regulations, which demand evidence of positive customer experiences.

Compliance offers a competitive edge. By embedding compliance into marketing strategies, brands can foster long-term customer trust while streamlining campaign execution. It’s not just about meeting regulations - it’s about using them to build a stronger foundation for growth.

The UK fintech market rewards patience and authenticity over flashy tactics. Successful marketers focus on creating genuine connections, offering meaningful value, and maintaining transparency throughout the customer journey. By investing in personalisation tools, compliance expertise, and educational content, fintech companies can position themselves for sustainable growth in this competitive landscape.

These lessons, drawn from real-world examples, provide a practical roadmap for future B2C fintech campaigns in the UK.


FAQs


How can fintech companies in the UK use influencer partnerships to connect with Gen Z consumers?

Fintech companies in the UK have a great opportunity to connect with Gen Z by teaming up with influencers who align with their audience's interests and values. Influencers often build a strong sense of trust with their followers, which gives brands a chance to create content that feels relatable and engaging for younger consumers.

Platforms like TikTok are especially effective for reaching this demographic. They offer the perfect space for edutainment-style campaigns - content that blends financial education with entertainment in a way that feels fun and natural. For these partnerships to work, fintech brands should prioritise genuine messaging, make their value propositions crystal clear, and keep a close eye on key metrics to track engagement and overall brand growth.


How can UK fintech companies balance innovation with regulatory compliance?


Navigating Innovation and Compliance in UK Fintech

Fintech companies in the UK face the challenge of balancing cutting-edge innovation with strict regulatory compliance. One effective way to achieve this is by using regulatory sandboxes provided by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). These sandboxes create a safe space for businesses to trial new products under controlled conditions, helping them manage compliance risks more effectively.

Keeping up-to-date with changing regulations from authorities like the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the FCA is equally crucial. Establishing strong governance frameworks becomes particularly important when integrating advanced technologies such as AI. Open and transparent communication with regulators, along with proactive engagement, can make navigating compliance hurdles more manageable. This strategy not only helps fintech firms remain compliant but also strengthens consumer trust in an industry governed by strict rules.


Why is personalisation important in fintech marketing, and how does it enhance customer engagement and conversions?


The Role of Personalisation in Fintech Marketing

In the world of fintech, personalisation plays a key role in connecting with customers on a deeper level. By tailoring products, services, and communication to suit individual preferences, companies can create experiences that feel more relevant and engaging. This approach not only enhances the customer experience but also builds trust and fosters long-term loyalty.

When fintech firms take the time to understand their audience - what they value, how they behave, and what they need - they can deliver highly targeted interactions that truly resonate. For example, customised messaging and campaigns have been shown to significantly boost customer engagement and satisfaction. In fact, research indicates that personalisation can lead to conversion rate increases of up to 20%.

But the benefits don’t stop at growth. Personalisation also plays a critical role in customer retention. By consistently meeting and anticipating customer needs, fintech companies can strengthen relationships and stand out in an increasingly competitive market. It’s a strategy that not only drives results but also ensures customers keep coming back.


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