The news: Klarna is pivoting toward digital banking in the US, preparing for its IPO amid growing scrutiny of the buy now, pay later (BNPL) market. This includes launching US debit cards and expanded savings offerings, with Klarna rebranding itself as a neobank aiming for a "super app" experience. Our take: This signals a broader trend of fintechs evolving into banks, intensifying pressure on traditional financial institutions (FIs) to differentiate. FIs must clarify their niche, pursue strategic scale, and accelerate digital transformation. Despite Klarna's expansion, FIs retain a key advantage: their card-based installment plans still outperform BNPL in customer satisfaction.
Canada’s trade war with its largest trading partner is underway. While uncertainty remains around the scope and depth of US tariffs, Canadian brands and retailers need to rebalance a heavy reliance on US-based customers and suppliers.
Over 260 million people in the US—more than 77% of the population—will watch over-the-top (OTT) video this year, according to a March Ä¢¹½AV forecast. Of these, nearly all will be watching YouTube.
The trend: US consumers trust the pharma companies that advertise the prescription drugs they’re taking. Our take: Pharma companies can take heart in knowing the people who take their drugs trust them and their advertising. But it’s also an opportunity for precise data and media targeting to reach new consumers who would be interested in their medication—undiagnosed people or competitors’ patients—and receptive to learning about them.