The Power of Video Marketing in Financial Education (And Staying Regulator-Safe)

Introduction: Why Video is the Future of Compliant Financial Education

I’ve spent years in financial services, and one truth stands out: people don’t engage with dry compliance documents—they engage with stories. That’s why video marketing has become the most powerful tool for financial education.

But here’s the catch—financial services is one of the most regulated industries in the world. A single misleading claim in a video can lead to FSCA fines, reputational damage, or even license suspension.

At Perennity Entrepreneurship Academy, we teach professionals how to harness video marketing without crossing regulatory lines. In this post, I’ll show you:

✔ Why video outperforms text in financial education
✔ How to create engaging (but compliant) financial content
✔ The biggest compliance risks in video marketing (and how to avoid them)
✔ Real-world examples of firms doing it right (and wrong)
✔ A step-by-step guide to launching your own compliant video strategy

By the end, you’ll know how to educate, engage, and sell—while keeping regulators happy.

1. Why Video is the Most Effective Medium for Financial Education

A. The Science Behind Video Engagement

• Viewers retain 95% of a message in video vs. 10% in text (Insivia).

• 80% of consumers prefer watching a video over reading an article (HubSpot).

B. How Financial Brands Are Winning with Video

• eToro’s trading tutorials simplify complex concepts through animations.

• Nedbank’s “Money Matters” series breaks down compliance topics in digestible clips.

C. The Compliance Advantage of Video

Unlike social media posts, videos allow for disclaimers, clear disclosures, and controlled messaging—making them safer for regulated industries.

2. The Biggest Compliance Risks in Financial Video Marketing

✔ Risk #1: Misleading Claims (FAIS Section 4 Violations)

• Example: A video promising “guaranteed returns” could trigger FSCA penalties.

• Solution: Always include “Past performance is not indicative of future results” disclaimers.

✔ Risk #2: Unlicensed Financial Advice (FSCA Crackdowns)

• Example: An influencer discussing stock picks without a FAIS license.

• Solution: Stick to general education, not personalized recommendations.

✔ Risk #3: Data Privacy Violations (POPIA & GDPR)

• Example: Filming client testimonials without consent.

• Solution: Always use written consent forms before featuring clients.

✔ Risk #4: Social Media Compliance Gaps

• Example: A TikTok video omitting required risk warnings.

• Solution: Platform-specific compliance checks (e.g., LinkedIn vs. Instagram).

3. How to Create Engaging (Yet Compliant) Financial Videos

Step 1: Define Your Content Boundaries

• Allowed: General financial literacy, market updates, product explainers.

• Not Allowed: Specific investment advice (unless licensed).

Step 2: Script with Compliance in Mind

✔ Do:

• “This is for educational purposes only.”

• “Always consult a financial advisor.”

✔ Don’t:

• “This stock will double next month!”

• “Our clients earned 20% last year!” (without proper context).

Step 3: Use Visual Disclaimers

• Text overlays (e.g., “Capital at risk”).

• Verbal warnings (e.g., “Investing carries risks”).

Step 4: Choose the Right Video Format

4. Case Studies: Compliance Wins & Fails in Video Marketing

✔ Winner: Investec’s “How to Budget” Series

• Compliant: Clear disclaimers, no specific advice.

• Engaging: Uses storytelling to simplify budgeting.

✔ Fail: Unlicensed Crypto Influencer Fined by FSCA

• Mistake: Promoted ICOs as “low-risk” without disclosures.

• Result: R500,000 fine + ban from financial services.

5. Your 5-Step Compliant Video Marketing Plan

✔ Audit Your Current Content – Remove any non-compliant claims.
✔ Train Your Team – FAIS, FICA, and POPIA awareness for video creators.
✔ Develop a Compliance Checklist – Script approvals, disclaimers, consent forms.
✔ Start Small (Then Scale) – Test with LinkedIn before TikTok.
✔ Monitor & Adapt – Regular legal reviews as regulations evolve.

Conclusion: Video is Your Best Tool—If You Do It Right

Financial education doesn’t have to be boring—and it shouldn’t be risky. By blending engaging video with airtight compliance, you can build trust, educate clients, and grow your brand—safely.

At Perennity Entrepreneurship Academy, we help professionals master compliant marketing. Want to launch a video strategy that regulators will love? Let’s talk.