Why Broadridge Acquired Signal to Expand UK Digital Comms
Broadridge Financial Solutions has acquired Signal, the UK customer communications specialist, as part of its strategy to expand digital capabilities beyond North America.
The New York Stock Exchange-listed company announced the deal on Monday, adding Signal's omnichannel communications technology and UK financial services relationships to its portfolio.
Signal operates in financial services and social sectors, providing design, technology and consulting services that support digital transformation initiatives. Its proprietary technology helps clients transition from traditional print communications to digital channels.
Mike Sleightholme, President of Broadridge International, says the acquisition represents a step towards globalising digital communications solutions.
"The combination of Signal's digital-first communications and strong relationships with UK financial services firms along with our proven scale and regulatory domain expertise transforms our ability to serve our global clients and extend our footprint in Europe,” he says.
Digital transformation driving demand
Financial services firms face pressure to modernise customer communications amid changing regulatory requirements and customer expectations.
Signal's technology platform supports both in-house teams and provides managed services, including outsourced print production.
Broadridge serves most major financial institutions in North America and processes billions of communications annually while handling daily trading operations worth more than US$15tn globally.
Its platform delivers personalised digital and print experiences across financial services, healthcare, utilities, telecommunications and insurance sectors.
Signal's approach combines strategic advisory services with technology solutions to enable faster customer interactions. This managed services model allows clients to maintain control over communications while accessing specialist capabilities.
Barney Hosey, CEO of Signal, says regulatory and customer pressures are driving modernisation requirements across the industry. “Growing expectations from both customers and regulators are driving the need to modernise and digitise the customer and investor experience,” he says.
Technology and compliance focus
Broadridge's communications platform leverages technology and regulatory expertise across multiple jurisdictions to help clients maintain compliance. Operating in 21 countries with over 15,000 employees globally, it provides Broadridge with additional capabilities in the UK market, where Signal has established relationships with financial services firms.
Signal's omnichannel communications management enables clients to coordinate messaging across multiple touchpoints. Broadridge's existing operations handle equity, fixed income and other securities trading infrastructure while supporting governance and communications functions for institutional clients.
This transaction builds on Broadridge's strategy to expand internationally while strengthening digital communications offerings. Its focus has been on developing technology solutions that address regulatory requirements while improving customer engagement.
“Broadridge is a trusted and transformative partner to clients who shares our commitment to innovation. Its focus on providing a more holistic global customer communications experience, while delivering greater value to clients, means we are very much aligned"
Signal's client base provides access to established relationships across multiple sectors. Its proprietary technology platform supports digital transformation initiatives that help clients reduce reliance on traditional print communications.
Broadridge's acquisition strategy targets companies that complement existing capabilities while expanding geographic reach, with Signal adding UK market expertise to international operations.
Regulatory filings, shareholder communications and customer engagement materials flow through Broadridge's communications platform. Proxy voting, corporate governance communications and investor relations functions are handled by its technology infrastructure.
Hosey says the alignment between the two companies' approaches to innovation and client service made the acquisition attractive.
“Broadridge is a trusted and transformative partner to clients who shares our commitment to innovation. Its focus on providing a more holistic global customer communications experience, while delivering greater value to clients, means we are very much aligned,” he concludes.
