Aware of hidden agendas, people no longer believe in the possibility of absolute truth or complete transparency from institutions, public figures, and individuals. Yet they are still drawn to honesty, integrity, and – at times – even vulnerability, which they expect from peers and brands alike.

Digital wallets were gaining ground well before COVID-19 struck, but the pandemic accelerated their uptake as people prioritized contactless transactions. As well as offering a more hygienic way to make purchases, how might these tools enable Americans to make the most of their money?

The pandemic has given hygiene-friendly peer-to-peer solutions a boost – and they’re ushering in a whole new era of banking. Owned by Jack Dorsey’s Square, Cash App is a one-stop digital banking solution that’s attracting increasingly bitcoin-savvy investors, rappers included.

El Salvador is set to become the first country in the world to make Bitcoin legal tender. After a year of ups and downs for Bitcoin, the move represents a significant endorsement of the cryptocurrency, highlighting the ever-growing influence of the crypto market over the global economy.

While Australia hasn’t taken the brunt of COVID-19, its real estate market has followed a different trajectory, rising sharply and leaving young hopeful homeowners out of the opportunity. As a result, it’s leading people to search for alternative paths of investment such as cryptocurrency.