VisualGPS Creative Trends Technology Riyal 2.0: Visual Opportunity for Saudi Banking

Saudi Arabia’s banking transformation is moving fast, with payments and financial services becoming increasingly digital. E‑payments accounted for 85% of total retail payments in 2025, supported by digital banking, fintech solutions and AI‑driven capabilities.¹ This milestone reflects much more than just technology; it’s a fundamental shift in how financial services operate. The upside is convenience and smarter experiences, but the risk is that customers become harder to reassure when technology can feel abstract, impersonal or even questionable. For banks, it demands readiness—not only in products and operations, but also in how customers feel about a bank's credibility before they log in. This is where visuals can play a key role in helping to build this. 

Getty Images' VisualGPS research shows that Saudi consumers most want financial advertising to convey security, seriousness and reassurance. So, a visual strategy that focuses on expertise and security without leaning into complexity or ‘future promises’ wins out. For credibility, recent VisualGPS image testing points to a clear direction: Simple, polished, high‑quality visuals are most preferred by Saudi consumers from financial services’ brands. However, polish alone is not enough. Visuals must feel relevant and anchored in real environments and lived moments that Saudis recognise. There is a clear opportunity to show human connection over tech‑supported interactions as only 27% of visuals popular with Middle East financial services customers in the last 12 months show consumer stories. And how do Saudis want this storytelling delivered? Video‑first. Our VisualGPS research shows 62% of Saudis prefer short‑form videos. 

Saudi consumers are receptive to innovation. 70% are excited about the future as technology evolves, and 61% believe AI will change the world for the better. Yet, according to VisualGPS research, 1 in 5 Saudis will not trust banks that use generated or modified visuals. This means being mindful and balancing the need for ‘real’ visuals—especially for people, workplaces and demonstrable banking contexts. For personal banking, 70% strongly prefer realism. Treat generated or modified visuals as a controlled risk area: Only deploy them when they do not blur where authentic visuals are needed to drive customer experience and trust. 

When it comes to showing seamless service and technology that cannot always easily be seen, our image testing shows that abstract visuals win when they use symbols like networks, systems and flow to map invisible systems. Using abstraction with connected patterns and motion can signal always‑on expertise and connection. Saudi consumers are open to imagery focused on data and technology where it connects tech to real life and everyday milestones and signals security and transparency. 

When banking visuals communicate transparency with human relevance, digital progress becomes personal. For Saudi banks, pair secure, serious and reassuring tones with short, digestible formats. Use realism over tech‑interactions and treat AI visuals with caution. 

Sources
[1] Saudi Central Bank