Acorns aims to make investments a little more accessible. By automatically rounding up purchases and investing the spare change in an investment portfolio, the app lets people invest without much effort, by running in the background.

American Express is synonymous with privilege and luxury – so its latest venture may seem surprising. Its Bluebird Bank helps Americans let down by traditional banking, who may not even have a bank account. What's driving the makers of the Black Card to bank the unbanked?

People are willing to show support for social causes – provided they don't have to do much - and brands are finding new ways to tap into the strength of the herd. By re-engineering menial actions – from buying body lotion to having sex – there are ways to reward everyone.

With the growth of digital, a new solution to retail banking woes is emerging. Hello bank! is the world's first stand-alone digital mobile bank that's accessible any time, any place – and, crucially, maintains a clear focus on customer experience.