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.
