When Stablecoin FOMO Results in Misfire Communication
Author: Sam Barber, Founder of Pitchr.ai
Early Warning Services announced plans to bring stablecoins to Zelle for international payments. The problem is they had almost nothing concrete to share beyond the aspiration.
Why it matters: The announcement is a textbook case of what happens when media hype creates a perpetual corporate announcement cycle. Coverage generates more coverage, pressuring companies to be vocal.
That pressure to be “out there” increases the risk of jumping the gun. And sometimes that leads to unwanted headlines.
When your messaging generates the American Banker headline: "Zelle's stablecoin play spurs more questions than answers," something went wrong in the communications process, and the signal was lost to the noise.
What they actually said
Early Warning’s press release was strong on the ‘why’ with CEO Cameron Fowler noting the need to bring "trust, speed and convenience" to international money movement. But short on the ‘how’ with only a promise of more information in the "coming weeks and months."
The gap is obvious: No specifics on development. No timeline. No details on partnerships or technology. The basic information needed that generates a sense of legitimacy.
The result: analysts and journalists filling the vacuum with speculation. Early Warning lost control of its own narrative.
The harsh reality: even a company as respected as the bank-owned Early Warning can fall into the trap of ‘trend-jacking’.
Moving fast vs actually being ready
Putting a flag in the ground early by signalling intention is a legitimate media strategy and can be highly effective. Especially in a space as fast-moving and competitive as fintech where you may need to get a message to the market quickly.
If you can answer basic questions without defaulting to "more details coming soon". And you're prepared for follow-ups on timelines, partners and/or pricing. Then communicating early, before product development, can be a strong signal.
The hardest counsel to give
For fintech PR professionals, this case illustrates one of our most challenging responsibilities: counseling restraint.
It's easier to chase coverage than to argue for patience. Sometimes that means telling executives that despite the noise, despite competitors, despite board pressure, the right choice is to wait.
The bottom line
The real value: Sometimes our most important contribution is the announcement we decide to hold. The story that waits for the right moment.
Early Warning's stablecoin play may ultimately succeed. And their comms are typically as good as they come. But it would have been better positioned by waiting for specifics rather than promises.
In a world of constant noise, finding the signal is still essential.
AI Writing Score: 5/10 - Hybrid
Mix of natural voice; some authentic syntax alongside templated structure and AI polish. Read our AI scoring chart here: https://www.pitchr-ai.com/ai-writing-scoring
