:format(webp))
Your clients expect more than the occasional phone call or a long email thread. They want communication that is timely, clear, and human. Especially from the people handling one of the most important aspects of their lives, their finances.
SMS has become one of the most important communication tools for financial businesses of all shapes, sizes and specialisations. Text messages boast open rates of up to 98%, compared to roughly 20% for email. For busy clients such as business owners, investors, mortgage applicants and more, a concise text can be the difference between action and inaction.
However, with this great texting convenience comes great responsibility.
This guide walks financial professionals from advisors to mortgage brokers through texting strategies that are effective, compliant, and client-centric. All so you don’t mishandle messages, reduce client trust or get blocked by the carriers. Let’s do it.
Why the finance industry loves texting clients
Why do smart businesses in the finance industry text? The answer is simple. Busy clients read texts. And a concise, well-timed, helpful text shows you value their time. All while keeping your relationship (and business) top-of-mind.
:format(webp))
The four texting advantages for the finance industry:
1. Speed
SMS can be delivered almost instantly. It’s perfect for quick updates, confirmations, or reminders.
2. Higher engagement
Clients are far more likely to open and respond to texts than emails so less gets missed.
3. Convenience
Everybody has a mobile phone and most people don’t go anywhere without it. Clients can reply when it suits them, even on the go.
4. Relationship building
Personalised messages, sent at the right time show attention to detail and care.
Now just to be clear, we’re not suggesting that texting should ever replace in-depth conversations or vital email updates. But SMS does a great job at filling communication gaps. SMS is perfect for appointment reminders, follow-ups, quick value-adds and two-factor authentication — all the little messages and updates that keep your client happy and informed.
Don’t ignore texting compliance
Texting your clients might feel like the simplest way to stay in touch — and it is. But every message you send does need to meet the compliance rules and regulations.
Around the world, regulators are paying close attention to how financial professionals use personal devices and messaging tools. For example, In the US, SEC Rule 17a-4 requires all business communications — including texts — to be securely archived and easily retrievable. In the UK and EU, GDPR and PECR enforce strict rules around data privacy and electronic communication consent. And in Australia, the Spam Act 2003 demands clear opt-ins, sender identification, and simple unsubscribe options.
Luckily, there are ways to manage texting compliance so it’s not a headache. A good starting point is to make sure your SMS setup checks all the right boxes:
Policy: Do you have a clear, written policy outlining when and how your team can text clients?
Platform: Are you using a compliant messaging platform that automatically archives and secures communications?
Training: Does every team member understand the do’s and don’ts of texting in a regulated environment?
Archiving: Can you easily retrieve past messages if a regulator or client requests them?
Marketing vs transactional messages?
When it comes to compliance, not all messages are created equal. In many countries, marketing or promotional SMS from financial institutions are heavily restricted or even prohibited entirely.
These rules exist to protect consumers from unsolicited offers and ensure transparency in financial communications.
If you’re considering sending marketing-style messages, it’s best to check in with our SMS compliance experts before you start. Regulations can vary by region, and our team can help you understand what’s permitted in your country and industry.
Book a demo to get tailored advice on what’s compliant in your region.
The good news? Transactional and service-based messages—like appointment reminders, payment confirmations, fraud alerts, or rate change notifications—are usually allowed across most regions. These are the types of messages that truly add value to your clients and help you build trust without breaching compliance boundaries.
A trusted SMS platform (like ClickSend) makes this simple — helping you send secure, auditable messages without the compliance headache.
How to build your texting strategy for finance clients
A great client-texting strategy doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built on purpose, structure, and empathy. Before you send a single message, take the time to define why you’re texting and who you’re texting. Here’s a six step process to building your texting strategy
1. Start by setting clear objectives:
Are you using SMS to deliver service updates or reminders?
To share timely information about market movements?
Or to nurture relationships with regular check-ins and value-added insights?
Once you’ve clarified your goals, segment your clients based on how they like to communicate. Some may prefer quick text updates, while others may want everything via email or your client portal. Respecting these preferences helps you stay compliant and builds trust.
2. Create the right content, in the right tone
When it comes to message content, clarity and brevity are your best friends. Avoid financial jargon and write with purpose. Every text should offer value. Whether it’s a meeting reminder, a helpful link, or a reassuring “just checking in” note during market volatility.
Sensitive or confidential information should never be sent via standard SMS. Instead, use secure links or direct clients to log in to your portal to review private documents. This protects both your client’s data and your firm’s reputation.
3. Make it personal, not generic
Personalisation goes beyond adding a first name. You can reference previous conversations or key details — for instance, congratulating a client on a property settlement or reminding them about a portfolio review. These small touches demonstrate that you’re paying attention, not just automating communication.
Hot tip: While personalisation is important, you should still use texting for automated communication for finance clients too. SMS is the perfect channel for appointment reminders, 2FA and other automated messages.
4. Keep it professional (and human)
Your tone should strike the right balance: approachable and human, yet professional and respectful. Always remember that you’re a trusted financial partner so don’t be too casual.
5. Frequency, timing & respect
Texting works best when it’s helpful, not intrusive. Keep messages timely and relevant, and avoid sending too many in a short period. Respect time zones and business hours, especially if you serve clients across regions.
Importantly, you should always provide a simple way for clients to opt out of receiving texts. This is a legal requirement and you can learn more about how to set up compliant opt-outs.
6. The right tools for the job
Due to the compliance needs of financial messaging — you need a professional, trusted messaging tool that you can trust. Look for a platform that can:
Automatically archive every message.
Supports opt-in and opt-out management.
Integrate with your CRM and workflow tools to automate follow-ups and reminders.
Offer global coverage and support for local regulations, languages, and sender IDs.
A platform like ClickSend makes this simple. It allows you to manage professional, compliant communication at scale while keeping every message human.
Texting in action and use cases for financial professionals
:format(webp))
The real power of SMS comes to life in the day-to-day. When used thoughtfully, texting can streamline workflows, strengthen relationships, and improve client satisfaction across all areas of financial services.
Here’s how different financial professionals can use SMS to communicate smarter, not just faster.
For financial advisors
Clients today expect instant communication — but not information overload. A well-timed text can bridge that gap between meetings and maintain a sense of momentum in your relationship.
You can use SMS to:
Schedule review meetings
Send automatic alerts when documents are ready
Link clients to a secure portal
Share reminders
Confirm an appointment
Follow up after appointments
Points to note: use texting to nudge action, not deliver complex advice. And in markets like the US, regulations require that all client communications — including texts — be retained and auditable. Similar standards exist in the UK, Canada, Australia, and the EU. Make sure your texting platform automatically archives these interactions.
An example text
“Hi [Client Name], thanks for meeting with me today. As discussed, I’ll be in touch next week with your revised financial plan. In the meantime, you can access your summary here: [Link].”
For investment managers
When markets move fast, clients appreciate reassurance and transparency. Texting allows you to provide quick context without overwhelming them.
You can use SMS to:
Send brief portfolio alerts.
Link to performance summaries.
Alerting clients that their quarterly report is live.
Sending reminders for investor webinars or compliance updates.
Checking in with high-value clients during volatile periods.
Appointment reminders and confirmations.
2FA for secure login to their client portal.
Points to note: avoid turning your text channel into an advice channel. Stick to factual updates or direct clients to your secure platform for analysis. Never send an individual's financial information over text message.
An example text
“Hi [Client Name], your latest portfolio summary is now available on your client dashboard: [Link]. Please reach out if you’d like to discuss any changes.”
For lenders
Loan processing is time-sensitive and communication-heavy — perfect for SMS. A quick, clear text can help reduce missed deadlines and improve borrower satisfaction. It’s a good opportunity to be transparent about your process. Borrowers often feel anxious when waiting for updates. Even a short “We’re reviewing your documents” message can ease uncertainty and prevent calls.
You can use SMS to:
Send application status updates.
Nudge clients about payment reminders.
Send any rate change alerts.
Reminder clients to complete paperwork
Points to note: under consumer protection laws (such as the TCPA in the US, GDPR/PECR in the UK/EU, and Spam Act in Australia), lenders must have explicit opt-in consent before sending marketing or promotional texts. Transactional messages, such as payment reminders don’t need opt-outs, but it’s nice to offer them to your clients for these types of messages too.
An example Text:
“Hi [Client Name], great news — your loan application has been approved! I’ll give you a quick call shortly to go over the details.”
For mortgage brokers
The mortgage journey can be chaotic. Texting helps you keep clients organised, informed, and reassured. Set up automated texts to confirm meetings, send property inspection reminders, and notify clients when rate locks are about to expire. Each message should provide clarity and prompt the next step.
You can use SMS to:
Schedule inspections.
Remind clients of key milestones and meetings
Share secure document upload links.
Send any rate change alerts and link to official content.
Reminder clients to complete paperwork
Send automatic progress updates.
Points to note: avoid discussing credit terms or interest rates in SMS — direct clients to official documents or calls for those details.
An example text:
“Hi [Client Name], the property inspection is booked for [Date] at [Time]. Please reply ‘Confirm’ if that works for you.”
Texting and automated SMS isn’t just for financial advisors, investment managers, lenders or brokers. At ClickSend, we help thousands of businesses from across the financial sector to set up automated, bulk and one-to-one texting solutions.
So whether you’re a local broker, a growing Fintech or a big bank — our team can help. Sign up for a trial of the platform or join one of our free regular demos to ask all of your important questions (and get great advice).
Texting mistakes finance professionals should look out for
Adding a new channel to your client communication can take time and some serious forethought. Even experienced professionals can slip up when integrating texting into business.
Some of the most common mistakes we see are:
Using personal devices for business texts. This creates major compliance risks and breaks audit trails.
Sending messages without consent. Always confirm opt-in before sending any promotional or transactional texts.
Sharing sensitive information via standard SMS. Direct clients to a secure portal or encrypted link instead.
Over-messaging or sending irrelevant updates. Less is more — focus on value, not volume.
Failing to archive messages. Every message must be traceable and retrievable if audited.
Treating texting as a silo. Integrate SMS into your broader communication strategy. Use it alongside email, calls, and client portals for a seamless, professional experience.
Partnering with a trusted, established SMS platform that knows how to serve clients in the financial sector is a great way to avoid these mistakes.
You can also schedule regular audits and feedback loops with your team and clients to help identify gaps early and improve your SMS strategy over time.
Start texting clients ASAP
When done right, SMS allows financial professionals to provide timely updates, reminders, and insights without overwhelming clients.
And it’s most effective when it’s human, helpful, and compliant. We recommend starting small, automating routine messages, and scale as you learn what works best for your clients.
Our team of financial SMS experts would love to give you a tour of ClickSend and answer any of your questions. Just book a free demo. Or if you’d prefer to give the platform a try, you can sign up for a trial.