Once a signifier of luxury or novelty, custom products and services are now within reach of the everyday consumer, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence, algorithm-led platforms, and the COVID-era digitisation boom. Today, everyone wants to be the main character of their brand experience.

Against a backdrop of uncertainty, people are searching for new sources of control and stability. Where science and ancient wisdom have been conventionally pitted against one another, many are moving towards an integrated approach to authority that draws from the best of both worlds.

Mastercard has partnered with Binance to launch the Binance Card in Brazil – a top ten market for the cryptocurrency exchange. The move hints at Brazilians' growing acceptance of digital currencies, but the risks inherent in this market mean that brands may be expected to provide education.