 is telling Australians that ‘it’s possible to love a bank’. With the insight that mobile doesn’t destroy high street branches, but instead changes their role, its new brick-and-mortar locations feel like spaces for a romantic date rather than a loan application. Instead of tellers and security glass, it has exposed brick, mood lighting, music and café-style features. In the US, personal loan start-up 

 goes further, hosting cocktail parties for ‘members’.

 also claims to be the first bank ‘you’ll ever love’ and even has a name and gender. Personal finance app 

 is dressed up as an adorable redhead, and the interface is a simple chat screen, like WhatsApp. Ask Penny how much you spent on coffee and she’ll respond with the answer and a cute quip or emoji.

In the pursuit of love, banks are becoming more like people. And interestingly, it’s a shift mirrored by the rise of P2P banking, with the likes of 

 helping people become more like banks too.

Visiting your local bank branch feels like a very outdated way of dealing with your money. Bank of Queensland is ditching the teller lines and glass-windowed counters for a look that’s more akin to a coffee shop. Can this initiative help the bank build stronger relationships with its customers?

Bank of Queensland: hanging out with your friendly bank manager

When we run into trouble, friends and family have our backs. And it's a good job – with payday lenders charging extortionate fees and trust in banks low, who do financially fragile Gen Y turn to when they're in need? This alternative lender will front you cash, whilst taking pressure off your pals.

Vouch: the lending social network

Half of retired women in the US have found retirement pricier than expected, with research revealing that women are not confident in their ability to retire comfortably. As people navigate financial uncertainty, these findings show how gendered disparities can worsen if not proactively addressed.

Women retirees face pricier retirement than expected

New York-based nail studio Chillhouse has partnered with Cash App to introduce a payments-via-chip technology embedded in nail extensions. As people seek financial hacks and frictionless shopping, brands can play a pivotal role in ensuring the privacy and security of customers remain uncompromised.

Chillhouse and Cash App roll out nail chip payments

TikTok celebrity and 'hawk tuah girl' Haliey Welch launched Hawkcoin amid a wave of memecoins. The cryptocurrency launch received lots of hype but quickly failed, with Welch now facing accusations of exploitation – but her story reflects a growing acceptance of self-monetization online.

Viral 'hawk tuah' girl faces backlash from crypto-fail

The Commonwealth Bank, Australia’s largest bank, announced a new withdrawal charge of $3 that's supposedly taking effect in January 2025. The move garnered ire from Aussies and the government, highlighting the widening chasm between people and institutions amid the cost of living crisis.

CommBank charging fee draws criticism from Aussies 

A recent study links rising income inequality to online dating, where users increasingly select partners within their socioeconomic strata. Financial compatibility has become a key priority for daters, reflecting how love and money are now more intertwined in shaping modern relationship dynamics.

Study finds online dating is deepening income inequality

How are Gen Yers reinventing middle age? What do they want from role models and celebrities as their lives evolve? How are they approaching finances in inventive and resilient ways, and what tools are they reaching for to build stronger communities?

2024-2025 Generational Snapshot of Gen Y

Online sports gambling is an increasingly popular topic of discussion among Brazilian personal finance influencers – as well as a growing cause for concern and controversy. There’s an opportunity for brands to inform their audiences of potential risks and promote responsible behaviours.

Brazilian financial influencers wary of sports betting 

Research shows that financial pressures and growing environmental awareness are reshaping chocolate buying behaviors. As some Americans choose to buy in smaller quantities and increasingly value sustainability, there is an opportunity for brands to tap into these shifting values.

Inflation impacts Americans' chocolate choices

Launched amid growing consumer skepticism of financial institutions, Pine is an AI assistant that automatically negotiates bills and disputes unfair charges. As credit card debt soars and subscription fatigue grows, the tool addresses mounting concerns about corporate pricing practices.

AI assistant fights unfair subscriptions

When French-founded firm Duralex faced bankruptcy, its employees stepped in, forming a cooperative to modernise the brand while preserving its world-renowned heritage. This decision reflects a rising collectivist spirit, reshaping trust and resilience amid global instability.

Duralex employees unite to save company and its heritage

Mobile operator O2 has introduced Daisy, an 'AI-powered grandma' designed to outwit phone fraudsters by engaging them in time-wasting conversations about the likes of knitting and family stories. With phone scams pervasive in Britain, Daisy is O2's approach to beating scammers at their own game.

O2 launches an 'AI grandma' amid phone fraud fears

According to Booking.com, travel scams have surged 900% over the past 18 months, partly fuelled by AI. With urgency-driven tactics luring victims into fraud, Australians’ tech scepticism may erode trust in online booking platforms and prompt a shift toward slower, more secure payment systems.

Travel scams fuel distrust of purchase pressures online

Young Democrats distressed by Donald Trump's re-election have turned to ‘doom spending’ as a salve and are sharing their hauls on TikTok. The trend signals a yearning for control and comfort amid unpredictability, with people seeking immediate emotional relief through consumerism.

US Gen Zers are doom-spending to cope with Trump win

As Australia inches towards a cashless future, some are pushing back, citing concerns about budgeting, inequality, and security. From generational divides to fears of financial exclusion, this monetary tug-of-war reveals deeper issues about financial control in a rapidly digitising world.

Why going cashless is proving divisive in Australia

India's gig economy is booming, with the number of gig workers nationwide set to reach 23.5 million by 2030. However, due to the uncertainty of this income stream, most people remain cautious of their finances. How can brands harness tech and education to bolster a sense of financial security?

How Indians are managing money amid the rise of AI

Japanese households once again cut spending in September due to inflation and a weak yen pushing up living costs. As people continue to face financial anxiety, there is a burgeoning demand for budget-friendly brands, while many workers are also seeking a better work-life balance.

Japanese households further cut spending as costs rise

More than half of Australians consider the country’s income distribution to be unfair, and satisfaction with democracy is on the decline nationwide. Faith in traditional institutions is wavering globally, leading some people to turn towards anti-establishment voices for solutions.

Australians report decreased satisfaction with democracy

The consequences of teen gambling addiction are being brought to life in a Korean short film. Once thought of as an adult crisis, easy access to online gambling platforms has led to addicts skewing younger, prompting conversations about whose responsibility it is to keep young people safe.

Ad campaign highlights Korea’s teen gambling epidemic

South Koreans love to spend. But what happens when the country faces a financial crisis? With many people steeped in debt, younger generations are now being forced to downsize their purchases and miss out on major life milestones. How can brands help them fight against economic headwinds?

How South Koreans save while staying aspirational

Puig exceeded expectations with its Q3 earnings, bolstered by fragrance and skincare sales and demand in the EMEA region and Americas. As brands within luxury ponder whether to ‘go high’ or 'go low', Puig is opting for an enticing strategy – ‘go niche’ to stand out in a turbulent market.

Puig courts niche audiences within luxury

Some disillusioned workers in France are travelling out of the city to work the soil – but only for a few days a week. Seeking both meaning in life and financial stability, these workers are contributing to the popularity of multi-hyphenate careers spanning both urban and rural environments.

French seek meaning and money through part-time farming

Uncertain economic conditions are causing inflation to hike up insurance costs and premiums. In response, Aussie consumers want tech-informed policies and products aligned with the current financial situation. What does this mean? Accessible and affordable coverage.

Why Australians want insurance to reflect their real-life needs

How has Fintech changed the way Germans approach money management? How is the rise of spirituality and diverse belief systems changing the religious landscape? And why is marriage on the decline? This Cultural Snapshot of Germany in 2024 explores the key behavioural shifts.

A Cultural Snapshot of Germany: 2024 - 2025

Car buyers in Germany are showing muted demand for electric cars as the cost and quality of EVs fail to meet their needs. Countries recognise the need for an urgent transition towards a greener future, but balancing the competing needs of people and brands is an uphill battle.

Fewer German car buyers are opting for electric vehicles

Banks and financial institutions in Australia have spent the last decade competing with each other by improving their customer experience and providing seamless online transactions. With the dramatic rise of fraud and scams in the country, is it time to put some of that friction back?

Can payment friction create savvier online spenders?

A Mastercard campaign aims to boost autism acceptance in Singapore, sharing stories and driving inclusion in everyday spaces. As people choose to back brands that reflect their values and take steps toward inclusion, this ad highlights how brands can connect through intentional storytelling.

Mastercard spotlights autism and hidden disabilities 

Research shows that over half of London-based workers earning less than a 'real living wage' have had to turn to food banks in 2023/24. As the UK's economy begins to recover, wide disparities across economic groups are persisting, leaving many in need of additional support.

Lowest paid Londoners are turning to food banks 

Thousands of celebrity deepfakes are flooding the web, targeting would-be investors with crypto scams. As people look to the fractured digital space as an authoritative source of information and open-source AI models bring deepfakes to the fore, the scam signals a new frontier for disinformation.

Elon Musk deepfake scam stokes disinformation fears

Kyoto is partnering with e-gift firm Giftee on a 'Donate & Go' service, making it easier for tourists to contribute to regional efforts by giving half the donation back as e-money for local use. This maintains heritage, tackles over-tourism, and supports local businesses without reducing visitors.

Kyoto tackles over-tourism with e-gifts for tourists

The last decade has seen an explosion of fintech companies in Africa attempting to bank the unbanked but none have been as successful as OPay. How exactly have OPay’s efforts to drive financial inclusion turned it into the country’s biggest fintech success story?

How OPay serves Nigeria’s financially underserved entrepreneurs

Perceived financial pressures are making people more frugal and favour adverse. Some of this stress could be related to money dysmorphia, an exaggerated insecurity about one's finances. Brands can help by reassuring people and focusing on things that are more important than money.

Frugality in friendship: a growing issue for Gen Z and Y

Service provider Optus is doubling down on its commitment to the Australian small business community with its new campaign. As many owners struggle with the economic challenges of running a small business, the company shows an empathetic understanding and provides tangible support. 

Optus goes 'All In' on supporting Australian SMEs

A new campaign by Australian Unity reflects the challenge of balancing work and life through multiple life stages, improving representation and services for older Australians. The campaign highlights an opportunity for brands to consider the evolving health needs of older shoppers.

Australian Unity spotlights balance throughout life

Latin American SMEs, key to the region's economy, face limited access to credit and complex regulations but many are leveraging fintech, digital connectivity, and new educational models to drive growth. Can they unlock their full potential and spark a local economic renaissance?

What do Latin American SMEs need to thrive?

As the luxury sector takes a hit, the UK branch of Bulgari announced losses in 2023 due to economic instability and reduced tourism. With financial concerns worsening, trends like #underconsumptioncore and 'affordable luxury' rise, offering leverage for smaller, cheaper, and stylish alternatives.




Smaller brands may emerge as Bulgari UK struggles

Indian Gen Zers are preparing for an uncertain economic future by changing the way they manage their money. They prioritise value, are more entrepreneurial, and have more open discussions about finances. They want to enjoy life now while securing their future, making careful spending decisions that reflect both prudence and aspiration.

How is India’s Gen Z changing the way they earn and spend money?

Gen Yers and Zers in India are building financial independence by establishing various (mostly passive) income streams like investments, content creation, and freelancing. This is their solution to economic uncertainty, but how can brands help them in their quest to gain control over their finances?

How varied income streams give Indians economic certainty

What happens after the US election? How should brands navigate a hyper-politicised landscape? And where will the new opportunities emerge in an unstable political environment? In the 2025 US Macro Expert Outlook, Adam Berinsky explores what the US will look like in the year ahead.

2025 Expert Outlook on the USA

South Korean digital payments platform Naver Pay has launched a feature that allows users to raise a digital pet and earn points while doing so. As more Koreans embrace gamified e-commerce, brands are exploring more innovative mechanisms to keep people emotionally engaged.

Naver Pay levels up gamification with virtual pets

As the economy strengthens and Americans' financial sentiments improve, the 'vibecession' – where people feel pessimistic about money matters – is slowly lifting. But does this increased confidence stem from financial strategies and lifestyle hacks that are frowned upon by wider society?

American money dysmorphia is slowly dissipating  

By tokenizing assets such as stocks, bonds, and gold, Swarm Markets aims to enable investors to trade more efficiently and cost-effectively. How could this technology revolutionize how professional and retail traders access different assets by providing them with a better experience? 

Why Swarm Markets uses tokenization to empower traders

What if you could unlock your hotel room, get into a concert, collect loyalty points, and prove your ID just by tapping your phone? It could all soon be possible for the UK’s critical spenders thanks to an announcement in August that Apple is opening up its tap-to-pay tech to third-party developers.

How Apple’s Tap-to-Pay builds spending loyalty for Britons

Will AI regulation in finance curb innovation? What might help protect people from financial fraud? How will new pricing regulations impact shopper confidence? In this part of the 2025 Expert Outlook, we speak to three experts about where financial behaviours are headed next year.

2025 Expert Outlook on Money

With the rise of cryptocurrency, AI-driven fraud, and an evolving regulatory landscape, innovative detection methods and regulatory technology (RegTech) firms that leverage new technologies, like ComplyAdvantage, can disrupt the fintech space in Australia. What is the future of this industry?

How ComplyAdvantage eases Aussie concerns about fraud

Despite some Gen Zers wanting to cut back on non-essentials due to rising living costs and eco concerns, many are willing to concede on their budgeting for events. For brands, this represents an opportunity for IRL reach and impact during moments when people are most open to indulging.

Gen Z forego budget-conscious mindsets for live events

Healthcare technology company Zelis has debuted an out-of-network payments solution to help plan members navigate medical bills in a convenient and accessible way. The service acknowledges challenges around paying for medical care, addressing pain points around affordability and transparency. 

Zelis removes barriers around medical payments

Audio manufacturers Bang & Olufsen have released a line of future-proof headphones with modular components designed for easy repair and replacement. As eco-concerns converge with more critical spending habits, perspectives on sustainability are shifting to centre durability and slower consumption

Bang & Olufsen centre durability with modular headphones

Visa has announced an initiative to help boost consumer protection when people pay bills by bank transfer. As concerns over financial fraud with digital and online banking increase, the enhanced security measures are set to give consumers greater control and protection over how they pay.

Visa to launch enhanced consumer payment protections

A combination of responsibilities for their children and aging parents and economic challenges mean Gen Xers are feeling financially unprepared for retirement. Many are considering moving in with their kids to make ends meet and may need help broaching these conversations.

Gen X ‘Silver Squatters’ feel unprepared for retirement

More than half of US parents report needing financial assistance to buy the technology their kids need for their education, a worrying statistic as the back-to-school season kicks off. As tech becomes more essential in schools, parents seek reliable and affordable products for their kids.

US parents face financial barriers in buying tech for kids

How are UK cities engaging their inhabitants in city life? Where do city dwellers go for fun, and to spend their money? And what challenges are people in cities facing in 2024? This Urban Cultural Snapshot blends data and expert insight to illuminate contemporary behaviours in UK cities.

A Cultural Snapshot of the urban UK 2024 - 2025

M&S’s back-to-school campaign, ‘School Happens,’ captures the everyday chaos of school life. By focusing on the durability of its uniforms, M&S taps into parents’ focus on quality and value, offering a relatable take on what kids – and their clothing – really go through during the school year.

M&S shows durability and value in back to school spot

What does life in the UK look like outside of cities? Why is wild swimming a lifeline for community? What's next for UK localism? This snapshot explores the behavioural shifts and norms of those living in rural communities up and down the UK in 2024.

UK Cultural Snapshot: Rural Behaviours 2024 - 2025

Gen Zers are becoming landlords in increasing numbers as property investment grows as a side hustle for ambitious young Britons. As traditional career paths fracture, young people are looking for alternative ways to make ends meet, looking for passive income to allow them to pursue their passions.

Buy-to-let culture builds British Gen Z's passive income

Inspired by the success of brands, Lidl launched a limited edition set of GBP 20 ($26.4) mystery boxes for shoppers in the UK. Each box contained items usually found in the retailer’s notoriously eclectic middle aisle worth over GBP 100 ($132.2), meeting desires for thrifty indulgence.

Lidl’s middle aisle mystery boxes promote cheap splurges

As the older half of Gen Xers approach retirement age, many are without adequate pension funds to leave the workforce. As this group navigates a myriad of financial pressures, there’s an opportunity for brands to better support the needs of an often overlooked generation.

Retirement is becoming a distant dream for US Gen Xers

TikTok finance influencers have found popularity among Gen Z by doling out advice on how to get rich quickly. With economic insecurity fuelling widespread anxiety among this group, young people are increasingly turning to alternative sources of authority for ways to circumvent a broken system.

‘Hustle bro’ influencers sell financial freedom to Gen Z

Indians are increasingly drawn to exclusivity, customisation, and status when it comes to their gadgets, opening doors for high-end phones and specialised services. Leading this shift in the country are brands like Apple and Samsung, which are considered luxury products.

How are phones transforming into personal assets for Indians?

Stables is at the forefront of digital payment innovation, bridging traditional finance and the stablecoin market. By pioneering new ways to integrate and simplify digital assets, it taps into Australia’s growing adoption of digital transactions, making stablecoin a seamless part of finances.

How Stables drives crypto inclusion in Australia

Teens are turning to summer jobs again in increasing numbers, reversing a decades-long decline. The cost of living crisis is pushing Gen Z to look for short-term work during the season. As teens look to get an early start on their careers, employers have an opportunity to attract young talent.

Cost of living crisis spikes Gen Z summer job growth

Axis Bank has joined hands with Visa to launch Primus, a premier credit card for India’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs). As luxury appetites mature, affluent Indians will expect brands to offer insider, bespoke products and services that centre on one-of-a-kind experiences.

Axis Bank unlocks VIP experiences for India’s UHNWIs

As Americans struggle to make ends meet, credit card balances are skyrocketing, with young spenders falling into delinquency at higher rates. While an inflationary economy has eased, many young Americans are still struggling to keep afloat and risking their economic future to do so.

Young Americans fall behind on credit card payments

In 2024, Australians will navigate the balance between their deeply held values and economic realities. While their decisions mirror their desire for societal change, the cost of living crisis has shifted priorities. How do these dual realities shape people’s lives and decisions amid trying times?

A Cultural Snapshot of Australia: 2024

The price and rigidity of healthcare payments present a major barrier to Americans getting the support they need. Acknowledging the challenges around payment plans, PayZen enables people to pay their healthcare costs in installments either before or after they receive the treatment.

PayZen adds flexibility to American healthcare bills

’Tis the season to gift, browse, and shop. Aussies haven’t lost any appetite for the Christmas season as a majority of the country continues to celebrate despite rising costs of living, spending most of their time and money with family. How can brands tap into the country’s holiday spirit?

How are Aussies shopping for Christmas?

Money

Penguin Random House Canada has released an innovative web app designed to revolutionise children’s story time by creating immersive reading experiences. Emphasising the need for creative approaches to reading, it illustrates the critical role of engaging storytelling in children's development.

Penguin app helps kids explore the magic of reading

Research has revealed that teens in the US are struggling to identify false information online. It highlights the pressing need to help young people become discerning consumers of information, equipping them with the skills to navigate an increasingly complex media landscape.

US teens are vulnerable to conspiracy theories

Fashion newsletters are transforming how we engage with style, offering personalised, curated content that appeals to consumers fatigued by fast fashion. By fostering direct connections between readers and experts, newsletters emphasise thoughtful, high-quality choices over fleeting trends.

How newsletters are reshaping fashion’s future

Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos has defended his newspaper's decision to stop making presidential endorsements, saying the move could help restore public trust in the media. However, the immediate effect has instead been greater divisions and increased skepticism of news outlets.

Washington Post polarizes subs due to endorsement snub

The New York Times has endorsed Kamala Harris with a striking text-only message, urging readers to 'Believe' Trump's stated plans. Its approach reflects a shift towards fact-centered endorsements amid eroding trust in the media, appealing to audiences' desire for transparency and direct information.

NY Times' Harris endorsement taps calls for transparency

The owner of the LA Times has opted out of a Presidential endorsement, leading to staff resignations, and an instant drop in subscribers. With the election polarising voters, people are challenging brands to take a stand – and expressing their frustration where they see brands falling short.

LA Times' Harris endorse snub pushes staff and subs away

Following an initial venture into e-books in 2023, TikTok’s parent company, Bytedance, is planning to steer its publishing arm towards print. Capitalising on a BookTok-fuelled reading renaissance, the move falls in line with shifting preferences towards analogue media, particularly among Gen Z.

Bytedance taps BookTok hype in move to print publishing

Spotify has expanded its audiobook service to four new non-English-speaking markets: France, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Offering a library of works in French and Dutch, the platform is appealing to a global audience, especially as the audiobook market continues to grow. 

Spotify expands non-English audiobook range in Europe

DC GO! is 'a new frontier of webcomics' designed for mobile devices, providing fans with reformatted old stories and original content. Brands are adapting their offerings as people’s media consumption habits shift away from traditional avenues, and this move recognizes the popularity of webcomics.

DC gives on-the-go readers mobile-formatted comics

The brainchild of start-up Koodos Labs, Shelf is a social app connecting people with similar media preferences. As Gen Zers feel increasingly disconnected from the ‘social’ in social media, they’re looking for digital safe havens that allow their personalities and interests to shine.

Shelf helps Gen Z build community around media tastes

The Juggernaut is transforming media by focusing on South Asian narratives often overlooked by mainstream outlets. Despite challenges in funding, the platform's subscriber-supported content is striking a chord with young desis who are eager to invest in narratives that truly resonate with them.

Why The Juggernaut explores South Asian identity in US media

Penguin has unveiled a book vending machine for students in Scotland. Spotlighting diverse writers like Salman Rushdie and Toni Morrison, the initiative ensures young readers can access and appreciate diverse narratives, pushing a shift towards a more representative literary landscape in the UK.

Book vending machine boosts diverse education in the UK

Hinge has enlisted a group of contemporary writers to create an anthology inspired by real user love stories. At a time when young people are turning their backs on digital dating, the campaign taps budding interest in romance literature to reframe perspectives on modern love.

Hinge’s ‘No Ordinary Love’ taps romance lit buzz

In an era when Japanese shoppers are losing interest in the written word, Tsutaya is reimagining ways to bring them back to bookstores. The famous chain offers a range of literature, music, film, and other artefacts, often not found anywhere else, in a space built for community and self-expression.

How Tsutaya Bookstore reinvents the literary retail space

The city of Madrid has launched a new initiative aimed at reviving public interest in reading. With many people growing fatigued with time spent on social media, brands can harness the power of interactive storytelling and experiential activation to further immerse people in new worlds.

Decline in reading takes book culture outdoors in Madrid

The ‘romantasy’ literary subgenre – which sets passionate romance amid supernatural dreamscapes – is seeing a boom both online and off. How can brands and publishers engage Gen Yers’ and Zers’ appreciation for the ‘reader’ as an identity and coming-of-age narratives for adults?

50 Shades of Fae: What’s behind the Romantasy book boom?

Spotify has struck a deal with Ingram Content Group to offer books from over 100 independent publishers. With audiobooks gaining popularity on the platform and beyond, there’s an opportunity to enhance multisensorial immersion and take people’s reading experiences to the next level.

Spotify partnership courts indie audiobook fans

A national survey has found that the number of UK adults reading regularly is declining, with younger adults finding it especially difficult to pick up a book. With many reporting that time scarcity and overwhelming distractions are to blame, there's a challenge – and opportunity – for slow media.

Digital distraction is driving a decline in UK reading 

Slow Factory is a fast-growing digital platform that champions climate justice and human rights through engaging and intentional content. By centering marginalized voices and creating digestible news on social media, it has built a loyal community of people seeking radical change.

How Slow Factory articulates climate justice for Gen Z

Rebind is partnering with a team of literary experts to power AI-driven, interactive reading experiences. Amid a growing sense of unease about the role of emerging technology within the arts, the app is positioning AI as a tool that can enhance – not replace – human creativity.

Rebind is bringing literary texts to life with AI

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung has taken home the Industry Craft Grand Prix at Cannes Lions for its 100th edition featuring holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer at the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin. As harrowing crises play out globally, people are looking for empathy and integrity.

German newspaper wins a Grand Prix for emotive campaign

With reading skills declining globally, Playbrary is targetting tech-savvy youth to boost interest in literature. It uses a custom ChatGPT prompt to transform classic books into immersive and interactive games based on the plots of classic novels, enabling deeper fandom while inspiring new readers.

Playbrary allows GenAI to be immersed in classic fantasy 

In partnership with Real Simple magazine, Pinterest has launched a shoppable issue featuring product recommendations and easy purchase options. This move highlights how brands are trying to bridge online inspiration with real-life shopping to make things more accessible to consumers.

Pinterest co-creates shoppable magazine

Long before the ‘hot girl’ movement propelled reading into the mainstream consciousness, China was already a country filled with bibliophiles. Today, its bookstores are fulfilling a new role, serving as community hubs and brand opportunities to strengthen customer loyalty.

How China’s bookstores are evolving experiential retail

The Tokyo-based start-up Orange has secured $19 million in investments to develop AI software that can translate manga titles into English. While the tech may broaden global readers’ access to Japanese media, it could also threaten the role of the fan translator in the proliferation of such content.

Orange uses AI to speed up manga translations in English

The New York-based newsletter distribution start-up Beehiiv has raised $33 million in series B funding on the promise of continued growth. With people growing wary of being plugged into social media, newsletters allow them to engage with niche communities at a slower pace.

Beehiiv banks on newsletters’ appeal to niche audiences

Rihanna has given readers a peek into her life like never before, speaking on her relationship and future plastic surgery plans. Fans are increasingly interested in honest depictions of their favorite cultural icons and want to hear the unfiltered truth directly from the source.

Rihanna interview taps desires for celeb transparency

A parody game in which users play editor-in-chief and choose headlines shows users how coverage of crises impacts The NYT's business. The game highlights declining trust in mainstream media and offers an immersive understanding of competing interests that may influence editorial decision-making.

Meta news game trains users on editorial framing bias

Come for explicit photos of celebrity crushes, stay for the community. From an Instagram page to organising physical exhibits, Y2K Kabaklaan’s intentions are simple – to usher in a safe space for pent-up gay desires and to document an unforgettable epoch in Filipino pop culture.

Why Y2K Kabaklaan archives Filipino queer desires

Several approaches have been developed to teach young Southeast Asians money management. However, economic issues and hustle culture make lessons hard to remember. That’s why The Simple Sum keeps financial literacy simple through bite-sized comic strips about real-life budget experiences.