Its scale could challenge US banks, but rivals have about 18 months to strengthen digital offerings.

Millennials are entering their peak earning years with deep digital fluency, but adulthood is changing their habits. AI is becoming a practical tool, digital fatigue is reshaping social media use, and family life is influencing media and shopping.

Community financial institutions face a pivotal moment as consolidation accelerates, customer expectations rise, and technology reshapes competition. Institutions that adapt while preserving their relationship advantage will be best positioned to grow.

US ecommerce is poised to enter a phase of mature and stable growth, but AI remains a wild card that could significantly alter the trajectory of retail’s online shift.

Affordability is making age a weaker predictor of spending and life-stage behavior.

Easier scheduling, transportation, and virtual care can get patients to the doctor, but they need clearer guidance on when to seek screenings or telehealth.

The fintech’s Q2 2026 results suggest it’s attracting and retaining higher-value primary relationships.

Digital audio is quietly restructuring the listening landscape. Ad-supported streaming music is taking share from radio, podcasts are reaching record audiences, and Gen Z spends more time in Spotify's app than YouTube's. For advertisers, audio offers trusted voices and habitual daily attention at prices below video. This FAQ covers where listening is moving, why audio earns budget, and how to plan the channel in 2026.

Creator videos capture 26% of viewing time: Creator content is now a core media buy, but brands will need stronger creator fits as competition rises.

AI shopping lifts retail media clicks: Marketers may have opportunities to influence shoppers as purchase decisions take shape via retailers’ AI features.

They’re planning broad AI expansion in payments, advice, and support to attract younger members and better rival banks.

Consumer spending will come under greater pressure during the 2026 holiday season, slowing retail and ecommerce sales growth compared with the rest of the year.

Brands are adjusting to a different setting for this year's FIFA World Cup, as fans of the tournament, which runs through July 19, follow the action on a highly fragmented array of channels, forcing brands to come up with creative ways to engage them. “Hosting the tournament in North America, specifically in the States, is pulling fans decisively off traditional broadcast and into digital and connected TV (CTV) to follow along,” said Rod Paolucci, global head of marketing at Channel Factory. In addition to streaming the games on a big screen, many viewers will be checking social media and other feeds on a mobile second screen.

AI bypasses search: Nearly 1 in 5 consumers have bought from an AI recommendation without searching first, according to exclusive Fractl data.

Gen Z repayment behaviors require P2P players to consider settling up strategies for group payments.

As Gen Z ownership nears millennials’, banks must add crypto services or risk losing younger customers.

This FAQ covers boomer digital habits, where to reach them, and how brands win the segment in 2026.

The healthcare cost crisis hits everyone, but especially Gen Z, making even modest steps like promoting lower-cost products and financial assistance an opportunity for healthcare players to improve their standing with strained patients.

The launch of Visa Destinations beefs up travel rewards that nets younger consumers’ loyalty

Gen Zers and millennials are moving assets from bank deposits into stocks, ETFs, and crypto on fintech platforms.