In the turbulent economic environment, money is losing its value. Consumers are reevaluating their spending across sectors. With a looming crisis of trust in financial institutions, how are people managing their budgets? And how can brands navigate the complex relationship between value and cost?

As people recalibrate their outgoings to manage rising costs, alternative payment options continue to rise in popularity. ‘Buy now, pay later’ platforms are being built into strategies for coping with household costs, but as the need for such services grows, people are becoming cautious of the unknown consequences of new types of credit. With financing options proliferating, there’s an expectation for brands to regulate against any dangers on the horizon.

Germany, Europe’s largest economy, is lagging behind other European nations in embracing digital finance, but post-pandemic shifts and economic challenges are presenting diverse opportunities in this space. How can brands respond to the digital transformation?

Apple has launched a campaign to promote its Apple Pay service which seeks to dispel myths about the safety and availability of the payment method. With many still hesitant to rely on contactless payments, focusing on security is a key opportunity to alleviate concerns of consumers worldwide.

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.