The most unforgettable commercials from the brokerage and advice industry

JUL 01, 2010
By  John Goff
While financial advisers aren't generally thought of as an artsy crowd, the financial advice industry has actually turned out some of the most memorable television commercials ever to grace the small screen. Granted, advertising agencies concoct the ads, but the clients do have to sign off on the campaigns. And for that, the companies featured in the following advertisements deserve full credit. These ads run the gamut, from early black and white classics to computer-generated gems, from elegant to goofy, from funny to thoughtful. All have one thing in common: they stick in the brain. Oh yes: Let us know what you think. Cast your vote at the bottom of the page for your favorite. And let us know which great commercials we missed.
1. The Dreyfus Lion (1958) Note: Early black and white beauty, with a lion making his way to Wall Street. It's swell, but a bit long. Remarkable as it may seem, audiences in the Fifties were able to sit through 60-second commercials.
2. When EF Hutton talks, people listen Note: A tag line for the ages
3. Ameritrade: Let's light this candle Note: America meets Stuart -- and likes him. We're still on the fence.
4. Ameritrade: Don't judge too quickly Note: Part of an earlier series from Ameritrade. Laugh-out-loud funny.
5. Merrill Lynch: Bull in a China shop Note: Classic, thoughtful commercial. No ceramics were harmed in the making of this ad.
6. Citibank: Valley Girl ID theft Note: Successful ad campaign that often bordered on the obnoxious. This one works, though.
7. Edward Jones: Art auction Note: They call him flipper, flipper, faster than lightning.
8. E*Trade: Chimp on a horse Note: Funnier, and less annoying, than the baby day-trader (excluding 'shankapotomus,' which deserves special mention)
9. ANZ: Bad day on the course Note: A real hoot, from down under.
10. Travelers: Shark cage Note: Not only funny, but gets Travelers' point across beautifully.
To cast your vote, click here.

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.