StockTwits, the Twitter-centric microblogging site for investors, has unveiled a new site design today, with a few new perks to boot. One in particular could be helpful for brands and investors; the new StockTwits IR, still in beta, makes communication amongst these special interest users even more streamlined.

StockTwits IR, which stands for Investor Relations, is a platform that enables companies to correspond directly with investors. The new feature validates brand accounts, similar to the badges Twitter now uses to verify certain accounts on its microblogging platform. It’s a natural progression for StockTwits, as it provides direct and trusted communications for investors and brands.

So far, brands like HP are already utilizing StockTwits’ platform to manage correspondence with consumers and investors (perhaps a smart thing to do, considering their stock flux and ongoing scandal). A specialized network like this is one of the many verticals that brands are turning to in order to drill down into social media, in ways that are geared for this type of directive.

For StockTwits, the business of fostering this type of specialized communication is the type of vertical required in the current social economy. Twitter itself has been taking over more of its feature sets, squeezing out some third party developer tools, but facilitating opportunities for verticals that address specific needs. The marketing opportunities around this type of platform also experiment with ways in which brands can better incorporate their initiatives into social media communications.