The Proposal BenchmarkerTM reveals where financial services teams excel – and where they risk falling behind.
Insights from the Proposal Benchmarker
The challenge
Financial services organisations are under pressure to deliver high-quality proposals that are commercially sound, strategically aligned, and consistently branded. While many teams have strong foundations, our Proposal Benchmarker data shows that persistent weaknesses are holding some back from achieving best-in-class performance.
Overcoming the challenge
The good news? Financial services teams are doing a lot right. They lead the way in governance and profitability assurance, with all proposal content approved before issue. Virtual collaboration is a standout strength, with teams adept at managing dispersed contributors and maintaining momentum. Proposals are well-structured, evaluator-friendly, and often enhanced with visual storytelling – graphics, animations, and videos that bring content to life.
There's also strong alignment between pitch and proposal content, reinforcing key messages and brand consistency. Executive-level sponsorship ensures proposal teams have influence, while AI-enabled templates streamline smaller deals. A robust knowledge base supports continuous improvement.
But there's room to grow. Many organisations lack regular benchmarking and client insight audits, missing opportunities to sharpen their competitive edge. Proposal writing often lacks a conversational tone, and proactive renewal strategies are rare. Performance measurement is patchy, with few using balanced scorecards to track ROI. Certification levels lag behind other sectors, and accountability for proposal quality isn't always embedded in role descriptions or reward structures.
How we can help
Strategic Proposals can help financial services teams close the gap between good and great:
Benchmark your performance with the Proposal BenchmarkerTM
Build capability through tailored proposal training and APMP certification
Improve proposal writing with expert reviews and coaching
Develop proactive renewal strategies and embed accountability
Embed AI into your bid and proposal capabilties
Want to see how your team compares? Visit our Financial Services sector guide and explore the latest sector rankings.
To find out more about the key skills and tools necessary to develop powerful, compelling proposals contact our experts on 0800 0096800 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
