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In-store retail media is Europe鈥檚 next big ad opportunity. But as retailers digitize stores, standardization and measurement challenges are dragging advertiser adoption.

The news: Revolut is exploring paths that can help it expand in the US banking industry. The company recently held talks with investment bankers about hiring them to advise on a potential bank acquisition, per Bloomberg. What it means for banks: Nationally chartered banks could see more interest from fintechs or international firms that want to follow Revolut鈥檚 path. And more licensed banks means more competitors鈥攁rmed with not only the agility and digital innovation of a fintech, but also the physical footprint of the banks they鈥檙e acquiring. To combat the threat, banks will need to double down on their biggest strengths, including longstanding reputations, customer-centricity, and the personalized products and services that customers want most, like those we highlight in our 鈥淯S Mobile Banking Emerging Features Benchmark 2025鈥� report.

The backdrop: The EU鈥檚 two largest economies face different but converging risks. Germany鈥檚 economy contracted 0.3% in Q2鈥攚orse than the preliminary -0.1% estimate鈥攁s manufacturing slumped after a temporary surge in US orders aimed at dodging tariffs, per Destatis. French Prime Minister Fran莽ois Bayrou will seek a vote of confidence in the National Assembly on September 8, a move likely to topple the government and inject fresh uncertainty into an economy heavily reliant on consumer spending. A political crisis could even push France into recession, Carrefour SA CEO Alexandre Bompard warned, per Bloomberg. Our take: While German households are pulling back amid economic gloom, French consumers have so far kept growth afloat. But if political turmoil erodes confidence, the two largest markets could synchronize into a broader slowdown. That would leave retailers with limited room to offset weakness, forcing many to lean on discounting, cost control measures, and/or value-driven formats to sustain sales.

TikTok鈥檚 2024 revenues in the UK, Europe, and Latin America surged 38% to $6.3 billion, more than doubling 2022 levels, per filings cited by Forbes. The growth underscores TikTok鈥檚 strength outside the US, where a divest-or-ban standoff continues. Yet regulatory scrutiny in Europe looms large, with over $1 billion reserved for fines, ongoing probes across multiple countries, and potential penalties under the EU鈥檚 Digital Services Act. TikTok鈥檚 UK penetration tops 32%, with ad revenues projected to triple by 2027. Still, layoffs in trust and safety roles and a pivot to AI moderation could test regulators and user trust.

This report analyzes how digital adoption and evolving consumer habits are reshaping South Korea鈥檚 retail, media, and payments landscape.

TikTok is laying off hundreds of UK staff as it shifts moderation to AI, with more than 85% of takedowns now automated. The cuts, part of a global restructuring, come as the UK鈥檚 Online Safety Act pressures platforms to strengthen oversight. Industry peers are also pivoting鈥擬eta and X have scaled back fact-checking while Reddit, Pinterest, and Snapchat adopt varying models of control. Yet user sentiment runs counter: Most want more human oversight, not less, with strong demand for fact-checkers, privacy, and quality control. The divergence raises brand-safety questions as advertisers weigh cost efficiencies against consumer trust.

Europe's digital market will reach $135 billion this year, driven largely by Western Europe. The fastest growth exists in countries where digital spend is reaching parity with traditional.鈥�

The news: Many marketers and salespeople doubt AI鈥檚 ability to boost company revenues or customer satisfaction. Some even believe it adds to their workload, signaling a disconnect between AI adoption and employee confidence. Only 39% of marketers and sales professionals in the US and UK are confident that their departments鈥� use of AI drives revenues, per General Assembly鈥檚 AI in Marketing & Sales report. Nearly half (46%) believe AI only somewhat improves the customer experience or doesn鈥檛 at all. Our take: Organizations that prioritize tailored training and tie outcomes to KPIs like team efficiency and customer satisfaction could help employees feel empowered and translate AI investments into measurable impact.

Swiss footwear company On posted raised its full-year sales and gross margin outlook, citing broad-based geographical strength as Gen Z consumers scoop up its premium-priced athletic shoes.

As the creator economy continues to expand, consumer attention is further fragmenting across a growing number of creators and platforms. But revenues are increasingly consolidating into top names, squeezing the long tail of creators and other creator economy stakeholders.

The news: American Express renewed its partnerships with AEG, expanding Amex鈥檚 rewards reach over venues, festivals, tours, ticketing, and sports. Our take: Amex鈥檚 dedication to building the breadth and depth of its luxury offerings allows it to maintain its premium branding against competitors like the Chase Sapphire Reserve鈥檚 offerings like Chase Experiences

The news: WPP has taken another hit in earnings, underscoring the current unstable market defined by economic uncertainty.Profits dropped 71% pre-tax in the first half of the company鈥檚 financial year, falling to 拢98 million ($125.2 million), while operating profit fell nearly half (47.8%), reaching 拢221 million ($282.3 million). Our take: WPP鈥檚 profit plunge serves as a wake-up call for agencies to accelerate transformation and prove value beyond media buying. In an AI-dominated landscape, advertisers are demanding more for less.

The latest data on advertising, retail, and ecommerce sales in Spain reveals slowing growth in digital ad spending and untapped potential for social commerce.鈥�