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Sami El-Quqa, CEO of MusicGrid, Featured in Transform Magazine
We’re proud to share that Sami El-Quqa, CEO and founder of MusicGrid, has been featured in Transform Magazine, where he discusses the growing role of sonic branding in Saudi Arabia.
July 6, 2025
Sonic Branding in Finance: How Banks and Fintechs Use Sound to Build Trust
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In today's digital-first economy, financial brands are competing not just on products and services, but on trust and emotional resonance. This is where sonic branding steps in as a powerful differentiator. From mobile payments to national banking institutions, the use of sound in finance is evolving fast. Brands across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and beyond are investing in custom audio identities to reinforce security, clarity, and memorability across every customer touchpoint.
At MusicGrid, we specialize in custom brand sound design services for businesses, with a growing portfolio of work in the financial sector. Whether it is a fintech startup or a legacy bank rebranding for Gen Z, the goal is the same: use sound to communicate trust and consistency in a crowded, competitive space.
Why Sound Matters in Finance
Unlike other industries, finance is rooted in confidence, credibility, and control. Whether someone is transferring money, applying for a loan, or checking their balance, the experience must feel secure and smooth. A well-designed corporate sonic identity helps reinforce these values in a subtle yet impactful way.
When integrated into platforms, campaigns, and customer experiences, sonic branding:
- Increases brand recall through repetition of a consistent audio signature
- Adds emotional clarity to otherwise technical or transactional content
- Signals professionalism and polish that builds trust in digital environments
From Banks to Fintechs: Audio at Every Touchpoint
For traditional banks, sonic branding often starts with a signature sound logo or main brand theme. That identity then extends across ATMs, app notifications, onboarding videos, and even in-branch experiences.
For fintech companies, sonic branding can add warmth and energy to what are often entirely screen-based interactions. Think payment confirmations, loading sounds, app walkthroughs, or social media content. MusicGrid's work with UPayments is a strong example of this. We created a branded audio experience that reflected the company’s innovative personality while maintaining the reliability expected from a financial service provider.
We have also partnered with Bank Albilad, designing a sonic identity system that communicates confidence, clarity, and Saudi heritage. The result was a sound signature that feels equally at home on a mobile banking app and in a corporate ad campaign.
Building a Financial Sonic Identity: Our Process
As a corporate sonic identity design agency, MusicGrid works closely with banks and fintechs across the GCC to develop scalable and strategic audio systems. Our process includes:
- Brand Sound Strategy: We start by understanding your tone, values, and audience. We ask: What does trust sound like for your brand?
- Original Music Production: Our in-house team creates sonic logos, brand themes, and functional sounds tailored to different platforms.
- Implementation and Integration: Whether it's in an IVR system, a mobile app, or a nationwide campaign, we ensure sonic elements are used consistently and meaningfully.
- Ongoing Support: Financial brands evolve, and so should their sound. We provide seasonal updates, new versions, and content support to keep your audio identity fresh.
You can explore more about our approach to professional music production for brand identity.
Global Trend, Local Impact
Globally, banks like Mastercard, HSBC, and Revolut have all embraced audio marketing strategy to increase brand recall. In the Gulf, this trend is only accelerating. As GCC consumers get more comfortable with digital banking, there is a growing expectation for more intuitive, emotionally connected experiences.
This is where MusicGrid brings unique value. As a global sonic branding company with industry reach and deep roots in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, we combine international standards with local insight. Our work reflects regional culture while meeting the expectations of today's mobile-first, audio-driven world.
Ready to Elevate Your Financial Brand with Sound?
If you're a bank, fintech, or payment platform looking to build deeper brand engagement, sonic branding is not just an add-on. It is a strategic investment.
Let us help you build an audio identity that is recognizable, trustworthy, and ready to scale.
👉 Book a discovery session
👉 Explore our sonic branding case studies
👉 Learn more about our sound design solutions for business branding
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Our Blog
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