How a freelance copy editor protects financial content

Let’s talk about something that keeps financial content managers up at night: regulatory compliance. It’s not exactly the most exciting dinner conversation, but in the world of financial services, it’s absolutely critical. A freelance copy editor could be the difference between creating content that connects with your audience and something that puts you on the wrong side of the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority).

The compliance tightrope

Imagine an AI tool happily generating content about investment strategies, market trends or financial products. Sounds great, right? Until you remember that one misplaced word could land your company in hot water with regulators.

Why AI alone just doesn’t cut it

Artificial intelligence is impressive, but it’s not a compliance expert. It doesn’t understand the nuanced world of financial regulations and it certainly can’t navigate the complex landscape of legal requirements.

The regulatory minefield

Financial content isn’t just about creating content that communicates your products or knowledge. It demands more. It’s about:

– Absolute accuracy

– Crystal-clear disclaimers

– Precise language that leaves no room for misinterpretation

– Compliance with ever-changing regulatory standards

…leaving that to AI alone is beyond foolhardy and veering into negligence. Working with a freelance copy editor, who is highly experienced in financial services communications, will protect you against all of these pitfalls.

A real-world scenario

Picture this: An AI-generated investment guide. Sounds like it would save you a lot of work. And, in honesty, it will, as a first draft. But that’s all can be. Give it to your freelance copy editor and they will catch all sorts of critical issues, such as:

– Outdated risk disclaimers

– Potentially misleading performance descriptions

– Language that could be interpreted as financial advice

– Missing required regulatory statements

…and more. We all know that one missed or inaccurate detail could mean hefty fines, regulatory investigations, damage to your brand’s reputation and/or potential legal challenges.

 The freelance copy editor: your compliance superhero

A skilled human editor does more than just polish words. They understand current regulatory requirements and stay updated on industry-specific compliance standards. Beyond that, they interpret complex financial language and ensure every piece of content meets strict legal guidelines.

Beyond the rulebook

It’s not just about following rules. It’s about understanding the spirit of those rules. AI sees black and white; your freelance copy editor sees the critical shades of grey that matter in financial communication. Think of AI as a research assistant and your freelance copy editor as a compliance officer, brand protector and communication strategist rolled into one.

 What a freelance copy editor brings to the table

– Deep industry knowledge

– Contextual understanding

– Ability to interpret complex regulatory language

– Strategic communication skills

– Brand-specific insight

More than just avoiding mistakes

The goal isn’t just to prevent problems. It’s to create content that builds trust, demonstrates expertise, communicates clearly and confidently and protects your brand’s reputation

The bottom line

In the financial world, your content is more than just words. It’s a reflection of your brand’s integrity, expertise and commitment to your clients. AI can generate content. But you need a freelance copy editor to ensure that content is accurate, compliant and truly valuable.

Wondering how to navigate the complex world of financial content creation? Let’s talk about protecting your brand while staying ahead of the curve.

Alex Genn

View posts by Alex Genn
I run a team of 25 senior-level copywriters and am myself a professional copywriter with over 15 years' experience.
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