 has proven that pain is more strongly associated with letting go of the physical forms of money we’re most familiar with – and card payments have made it easier (and therefore less painful) to part with our cash. This is why integrated payments are now the norm on apps like 

, and why Disney introduced RFID wristbands in its parks – people lose track as they tap their funds away.

The reduction in pain can mean that we don’t value money as much when we pay by card or mobile wallet. And while this creates an increased willingness to pay, this also affects our perception of, and relationship with, the things we buy. For instance, in one experiment, people who’d paid for a mug by cash valued it almost twice as much as those who’d paid by card. Similarly, when donating to a cause, people who’d paid by cash felt psychologically closer to their chosen charity.

There are different rates in different countries, but across the world we are using less cash. Over the past five or six years, there’s been a huge shift from paper to plastic. In the UK, over 

 were made every minute in 2015, and while cash accounted for 45% of all those, debit card payments are predicted to overtake hard currency for the first time in 2021. And as ‘easy’ spending becomes the norm, will brands start to add perceived value by increasing the pain of payment? While the 

 might bring in more donations, could it create a dissonance between cause and connectedness?

We know that seamless payments can affect how we splash out, but could they also impact how we feel about the things we’re buying? Canvas8 sat down with Dr. Avni Shah, co-author of ‘Paper or Plastic?’, to understand how the method by which we pay influences product satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Cash or credit? The science of spending

Two out of five internet users have bought a product online. But a lengthy payment process means we often abandon purchases at the checkout. What if you could buy using just an email address and postcode? By separating ‘buying’ from ‘paying’, Klarna promises stress-free online shopping.

Klarna: buy now and pay later for online shoppers

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 combat Australia’s online fraud?

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 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

How Apple’s Tap-to-Pay builds loyalty with critical spenders

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?

Age Concern New Zealand and ANZ have launched a scam prevention campaign featuring American crime drama series CHiPs. The ad reimagines the series to resonate with older audiences, who are typically targeted by scammers, providing them with the tools and confidence to protect themselves from fraud.

ANZ campaign prompts Boomers to watch out for scammers

Expedia, Wells Fargo and Mastercard have unveiled two new co-branded credit cards offering enhanced benefits for U.S. travelers. As people continue to prioritise experiences over material goods, they're seeking more holistic loyalty programs that integrate seamlessly into their lifestyles.

Expedia travel credit card rewards everyday spenders

Credit Karma reports that US Gen Zers continue to be influenced by social media when it comes to overconsumption, but they’re also resisting the allure of influencer-driven purchases. As brands navigate these tensions, there’s an opportunity to invest in non-paid UGC to drive long-lasting loyalty.

Young Americans fight back against overconsumption

Everyone knows that Gen Zers are a digitally savvy bunch – but not all banks seem to have caught up yet. With the majority of this cohort now in adulthood and ready to open a flurry of accounts with financial services providers, how can brands win them over and satisfy their need for convenience?

What are Gen Zers looking for in a bank account?

After a three-year wait, Revolut has received a UK banking licence (with restrictions) from the sector regulator. Digital banks are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, meeting audience expectations for convenience, personalisation, and accessibility, whereas legacy banks are lagging behind.

New licence puts Revolut in revamped challenger position

Venmo, the American mobile payment service, has achieved cultural clout and a dedicated following among US Gen Y and Zers thanks to its novel approach in making it fun to send money between friends. What does its rise in popularity say about how people's money management skills are shifting?

How Venmo became the go-to payment provider for US youth

Pret a Manger has announced the end of its coffee subscription programme. The service offered its subscribers nearly unlimited coffee for a monthly fee. As people look to cut costs, they’re looking to give their loyalty to brands that help them save money on daily splurges.

Pret a Manger shutters popular subscription service

Indian fintech startup Jupiter is refashioning banking in India at breakneck speed. With its live expense tracking, easy investment channels and smart saving tools, Jupiter takes on the role of a financial partner to Indian Gen Y and Z. But how did it make its name in the sacred space of banking?

How Jupiter simplifies money management for Gen Y Indians

With youth unemployment at an all-time high and forecasts for Chinese GDP indicating a continued slowdown, young people are saving in an attempt to take control. In contrast to global trends, China’s youth are shirking impulsive purchases and setting extreme saving challenges on social media.

Chinese Gen Z are ‘revenge saving’ for economic security

Despite being seen as high-tech, Japan has been slow to adopt fintech solutions. The country ranks among the top in APAC that are slow to embrace cashless payments. However, this situation may soon change as Olive tailors its app and all-in-one card to promote cashless living in Japan.

How Olive manages Japanese people’s cashless confidence

Belong is a new savings app targeting UK Gen Yers who feel priced out of the housing market. It wants to help them find new approaches to building their personal wealth, but how can their strategies help to boost people’s financial outlook in the long term?

How Belong helps Gen Y Brits build long-term wealth

Gen Zers are driving membership in big-box stores like the Walmart-owned Sam’s Club, pointing to changing money-saving behaviors among young Americans. As belts continue to tighten, young people are investing in cost-cutting memberships to afford daily indulgences.




Cost-conscious Gen Zers flock to Sam's Club

Tito’s Handmade Vodka has launched a campaign targeting those going on ‘staycations’ this summer, looking to connect with those relaxing at home instead of traveling for holidays. As more people embrace staycations as economic concerns force cutbacks, they’re looking for ways to relax at home.

Tito's Vodka taps into staycation behaviors

Mschf Plays Venmo invites fans to join a social experiment-style lottery game. Players collaborate, make secret deals, and form alliances, employing strategies reminiscent of popular shows like The Traitors and Squid Game, and offering users an opportunity to deepen their connections.

Mschf Plays Venmo lottery builds on fan co-participation

Stunted by the cost of living, young Singaporean couples are turning to early marriage to secure affordable housing through the government, leading to regret for some. As both marriage and divorce rates rise among the young, there's a need for more comprehensive financial support and education.

Couples in Singapore get married earlier to afford homes

In an attempt to beat ‘shrinkflation’ and restore consumer confidence in supermarket retailers, the French government has introduced compulsory ‘shrinkflation’ labels. As brand loyalty takes a hit amid rising prices and faltering trust, transparency is one way of restoring faith.

Shrinkflation labels encourage supermarket transparency

As energy prices soar, so does anxiety, which is causing many Aussies to forgo brand loyalty in favour of lower costs. As inflation encourages consumers to rethink their spending, energy companies are considering taking steps to earn trust and prioritise consumer retention.

Money conscious Aussies switch power providers

Unsure what the future holds and still making up for years of restrictions, Gen Y and Z are prioritizing the here and now and splurging on non-essentials. As a result, they're turning to credit and their parents' support, signaling both a desire for escape and a need-it-now mentality.

Gens Y and Z turn to parents instead of saving

Money

Camden County's NOS program uses peer support to aid prison leavers, reducing recidivism and supporting successful reintegration. Recognizing the limitations of top-down strategies, it prioritizes the experiences of formerly incarcerated individuals – something often lacking in traditional programs.

Peer-led program supports prisoners rejoining society

To commemorate Black History Month, Gymshark has created a pop-up that offers hairstyling services for visitors with textured hair. The initiative is just one of Gymshark’s many efforts to champion minority voices, showing how brands can meaningfully rise above one-off gestures towards inclusion.

Gymshark pop-up combats textured hair woes at the gym

The case surrounding Gisèle Pelicot, a woman drugged and abused by numerous men with her husband's complicity, has drawn widespread attention and condemnation in France. The media coverage and public conversation are challenging cultural norms and perceptions around sexual assault and consent.

Mass trial spotlights French attitudes to sexual abuse

Indian beauty brand Sugar Cosmetics has launched a campaign that showcases beauty rituals as a form of empowerment. It’s going one step further than the ‘girlboss’ narrative in Indian advertising, highlighting how women’s identities are fluid and can exist outside of the family-work dichotomy.

Sugar Cosmetics embraces femininity as power in India

Bad Bunny has endorsed Kamala Harris in the wake of comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s inflammatory remarks about Puerto Ricans at a Trump rally. Celebrity culture is more entwined with politics than ever, and election campaigns are foregrounding pop culture-led strategies to resonate with younger voters.

Bad Bunny amplifies pop culture’s sway over US elections

Students at Columbia University erected a traditional shelter for the Jewish Sukkot holiday in support of peace amid the ongoing occupation of Palestine. Protests like these highlight a desire for community and connection as people continue to speak out against social and geopolitical tensions.

Jewish students build sukkah in action for Palestine

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

A survey has revealed that gyms are now outpacing pubs as preferred meeting spots for British Gen Zers. This shift demonstrates their functional approach to life, where even leisure time is viewed as an opportunity for personal development and building connections in a health-positive environment.

British Gen Zers ditch pubs for gyms as new social hubs 

Neuro-inclusive nightlife events are on the rise, creating sensory-free spaces for neurodivergent people to enjoy live music. Demonstrating how tailored environments can enable fuller participation in cultural experiences, these events are paving the way for a more inclusive nightlife scene.

Inclusive clubs cater to neurodiverse needs 

The charity Girlguiding has unveiled a campaign highlighting gender stereotypes and AI's role in perpetuating some of them. With increased awareness of gender stereotypes in everyday life, the campaign looks to visually inspire girls, showing them that they can truly do anything.

Girlguiding ad challenges AI-enforced gender biases

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has tapped Megan Thee Stallion for a youth suicide prevention campaign. The move highlights the need for accessible, youth-focused health resources and the importance of creating safe spaces for open conversations about mental wellbeing.

Megan Thee Stallion campaign tackles youth suicide

Amid a steep decline in relevancy among younger users, Facebook has launched a redesign aimed at tapping into Gen Z’s evolving relationship with social media. In line with a broader shift towards a 'post-platform' internet culture, the changes emphasise local, community-driven features.

Facebook redesign attempts to win back Gen Z users

In tandem with the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, Qua has launched its pre-fall collection with a campaign starring the Indian women’s national team. It’s breaking barriers in a male-dominated cricket culture and aligning with people’s growing support for women’s representation in the sport.

Qua campaign pays homage to India’s women cricket icons

Millions of TikTok users are participating in a wholesome pay-it-forward movement for moms, showing that parents deserve some love, too. In a society where the sacrifices of parenthood often go unnoticed, the trend provides a tangible way to recognize and validate the challenges of motherhood.

'She Deserved the Purse' helps mothers in need

Aoni Production is partnering with AI start-up CoeFont to create multilingual speech generated from anime voice actors. The feature will be used in voice assistants, suggesting how fandom immersion is playing out beyond entertainment and in many other aspects of people’s everyday lives.

Japanese firms use AI to create anime voice assistants

Nescafé Sunrise has launched a new campaign to celebrate and champion the hard work of coffee farmers in Karnataka. As people seek products that reflect their values and heritage, brands can cultivate trust by emphasising local food tales that bridge the gap between community and culture.

Nescafé Sunrise pledges support for local coffee farmers

The coffee chain added a streamlined donation option to their app to allow customers to contribute to fundraising for aid to Gaza amid the ongoing occupation. This illustrates a successful strategy to address people's increasing demands for brands to commit to social responsibility.

ZUS Coffee uplifts Gaza relief with in-app donations

Netflix is giving London superfans the chance to purchase memorabilia from popular titles with a one-day-only pop-up store. Leveraging audience desires for more interactive forms of engagement, the move taps a growing interest in high-value collectables among young people.

Netflix pop up taps fandom-fuelled memorabilia hype

In a record-breaking win for the Philippines, gymnast Carlos Yulo secured two gold medals in the 2024 Olympics. Brands and supporters back home put him on a pedestal and his family life under a microscope, showering him with money, gifts, and controversies that changed the face of local sport.

How Carlos Yulo changes sports culture for Filipino fans

Donald Trump’s high-profile visit to Georgia in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene is stoking polarization amid the presidential race. The disaster is accelerating people’s distrust of institutions, and they’ll be expecting brands to fill the gaps in societal leadership.

Hurricane Helene response becomes election battleground

The UK is piloting its first network of mobility hubs in the West Midlands to encourage Britons to go car-free. On top of their environmental benefits,  shared hubs have the potential to strengthen a sense of belonging and communal ownership amid increasing rates of social isolation.

UK introduces mobility hubs for connected communities

More young Americans are embracing vocational trades, but both presidential candidates face challenges in mobilizing this untapped voting bloc. Gen Zers aren’t a homogeneous group, and more concerted efforts are needed to reach those who feel unrepresented by the political mainstream.

Gen Z blue-collar workers alienated from election buzz

After decades of activism and growing public support for LGBTQ+ rights, Thailand has made history as the first Southeast Asian country to legalise marriage equality. But concerns around pinkwashing remain, and LGBTQ+ people have called on businesses to ensure their policies move with the times.

Thai marriage equality law spurs meaningful DE&I action

Telfar is debuting its first leather bag with an exclusive pop-up at Selfridges. As demand for localised stories rises, brands can redefine luxury by fostering deeper connections through tactile engagement and culturally fluid narratives, offering a fresh perspective on traditional luxury concepts.

Telfar redefines accessible luxe with debut leather bag

Morrisons has launched farm tours in the UK, bringing its customers closer to the people who make the food they eat. Supply chain transparency can undoubtedly boost brands’ eco-credentials, and Morrisons' initiative shows how companies can go beyond certifications for a more human approach. 

Morrisons ventures into eco-travel with UK farm tours

Palestinian journalist Bisan Owda received an Emmy for her documentary chronicling life in Gaza amid the ongoing occupation. Owda faced a campaign to have her nomination rescinded, but her win highlights how alternative voices can challenge the mainstream while still reaching broad audiences.

Journalist wins Emmy for on-the-ground reporting in Gaza

Reddit has introduced an AI feature that can translate posts and comments into different languages. As people increasingly seek out multicultural social media experiences, there’s an opportunity for brands to empower users with the tools to co-create their own global villages.

Reddit weaves global communities with AI translation

Digital challenger Parabank has teamed up with fintech provider Dock to launch cards that cater to Brazilians with disabilities. With the fintech revolution well underway in the country, the brand demonstrates what an intersectional approach to financial inclusion might look like.

Parabank meets financial needs of Brazilians with disabilities

In a China-exclusive campaign, Prada has tapped ambassador and table tennis star Ma Long for a special match with veteran actress Wu Yanshu. While athletes have become influencers du jour for luxury brands, there’s a demand for stories that showcase sports in a humanistic, thought-provoking light.

Prada’s table tennis campaign combats ageism in China

Little Free Library's interactive map details US book bans by state and county, encouraging users to share these books via library boxes across the US to support other readers' access to restricted books. People are increasingly distrusting institutions, and brands can fill the gap.

Digital map launched for US readers to find banned books

In a viral letter, the mother of a deceased EY India employee has accused the firm of driving her daughter to death by overwork. The controversy has thrust the country’s brutal workplace culture into the spotlight, and people are calling for meaningful brand actions to put employee wellbeing first. 

Indians demand accountability on EY overwork case

Community and grassroots

People value things more if they pay with cash