BANCA DI ASTI: INCENTIVISING GEN Z
CONSUMERS WITH “SBAM!”

Rejuvenating brand perception to win over the younger generation

A Banca Di Asta campaign poster for SBAM!

Our Sectors

Financial Services

Client

Banca di Asti

Solutions

Acquisition Programs, Engagement Programs

Location

Italy

The Banca Di Asta campaign poster for SBAM! on a laptop screen

Overview

Historic banking institution Banca di Asti embarked on a strategic journey to win over Generation Z, a crucial demographic usually drawn to digital banks as opposed to traditional. The bank combined its long history and reliability with innovation to speak directly to the younger generation, showcasing how their products could integrate into their daily lives. They entrusted TLC to devise a disruptive concept, far removed from traditional banking communication, to rejuvenate the brand’s perception and attract a new audience.

The Challenge

In a highly saturated market that’s known for uniformity in customer acquisition and retention strategies, Banca di Asti had to find a way to stand out and above all, win the trust of Gen Z. Digitally native with high expectations, they are attracted to banks with innovative solutions, personalised experiences and values that align with their own. To appeal to this generation, Banca di Asti had to incentivise opening new current accounts, alongside transforming their conventional brand image. They had to build trust, listen and adapt to the target’s needs for an authentic connection, improving quality through optimised touchpoints and flexibility in the contemporary banking market.

Why TLC

Banca di Asti chose TLC for our proven ability to transform banking marketing not only through an innovative, customer-led approach, but also solutions that speak directly to the target audience. We enabled a shift away from traditional banking language to adopt a tone of voice that resonates with the younger generation, enabling engaging communication. Our strategy focused on personalisation, optimised interaction mechanics, tailored rewards and valuable content – delivering a 360° experience that strengthened existing customer loyalty, while attracting new Gen Z consumers.

The TLC Approach

In 2023, we launched a revolutionary reward solution designed to attract and engage Gen Z consumers through careful touchpoints. We used deep client listening and strategic consulting to define a customised reward solution specially for the younger market. Using in-depth analysis of purchasing behaviours, we offered a differentiated solution in a highly competitive market that not only targeted the right audience but also forged a strong relationship with Banca di Asti that saw them return the next year. We created an open dialogue that enabled us to refine the concept to the client’s needs, while monitoring the campaign’s effectiveness through success metrics.

The collaboration between TLC and Banca di Asta was underpinned by a strong foundation of trust and teamwork with continuous constructive feedback. This ensured the highest possible client satisfaction, fostered by TLC’s strategic vision, creative innovation and impeccable execution. We implemented a bespoke solution that allowed Banca di Asti to reward customers with high perceived value, which would have been impossible to achieve with cashback alone. Following the success of the campaign, the client returned in 2024 to take it above and beyond the first year. We simplified alignments and focused on extending and improving touchpoints to maximise the quality and reach of the concept.

Six images on a laptop screen showing the results of the Banca di Asti campaign

The Results

Banca di Asti were able to offer young account holders €300 credit to spend on a variety of activities designed exclusively for them. A value that goes “SBAM!” – hence the campaign name – and disrupted the competition to capture Gen Z’s attention. Through tailored communication, we achieved +65% performance compared to the historical average, as well as a 96% retention rate. These remarkable results led to Banca di Asti organically sharing their satisfaction and trust in TLC though social posts, interviews, articles and during events.

Building on the success of the previous year, the 2024 campaign went on to achieve a +60% increase in daily current account openings with a +16% increase compared to target. Thanks to these results, Banca di Asti have returned for a third year to work together on another project.

+65%

Performance

compared to historical average.

96%

RETENTION RATE

amongst Gen-Z customers.

+16%

CURRENT ACCOUNTS

opened compared to target.

Hear directly from the client

“By placing the customer and their desires at the center of the project, we can incentivize engagement. The support of a company like TLC Worldwide, a leader in creating unique customer connections through reward-based promotional projects, was essential.”

Head of Marketing Private Customers

Banca di Asti

Banca Di Asti
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