Consumer loan volume and credit risk are getting harder to gauge as lending moves away from banks and into alternative consumer lending. One estimate says that private funding for consumer lending fintechs could support almost $140 billion in global lending over several years. FIs’ general disinterest in riskier borrowers means that they migrate to fintechs, which may retain the risk or shift it to banks and investors in ways that reveal little about borrowers on the hook for repayment. If the trend continues, widespread defaults could hit the financial system, and few will know exactly what to expect.
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Become a ClientMeta has rolled out major upgrades to partnership ads on Facebook and Instagram, introducing new AI-enabled tools, broader creator discovery surfaces, and an API that lets advertisers programmatically convert UGC and creator posts into paid ads at scale. Partnership ads already outperform standard formats—19% lower CPAs and 13% higher CTRs—and with Gen Z more receptive to creator messaging and most consumers taking action quickly after seeing creator content, Meta is formalizing the path from organic influence to paid performance. For marketers, the message is clear: creator content is now a foundational performance lever, not an experimental add-on.
North Carolina-based Self-Help Credit Union is suing Fiserv for alleged lax security practices related to how Fiserv accessed its secure data. Self-Help seeks compensation for fees that it says it paid to enhance security. Financial institutions (FIs) are ultimately responsible to customers and regulators for their vendors’ actions, and it’s a huge compliance problem when one doesn’t follow through. Small FIs are known to struggle with technology talent and budgets, so they depend heavily on partners to meet their obligations. That makes FI oversight of their vendors even more essential.
The Home Depot launched a new creator portal this week, a hub where creators can access content inspiration, campaign opportunities, and expertise to build content around home improvement, DIY projects, and decor tips.
42% of consumers discuss sporting events with friends or family after seeing out-of-home (OOH) ads, according to a September report from The Harris Poll.
On today’s podcast, we will cover a few of the takes from our Top Trends to Watch in 2026 report. Our analysts (or bakers) will compete in a Great British Bake Off style episode discussing if the micro-drama craze will mint a new generation of creators with dual support from social networks and entertainment studios, and why AI’s content takeover will shake consumer trust in the internet. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, along with Analyst Jacob Bourne and Principal Analyst Max Willens. Listen everywhere, and watch on YouTube and Spotify.
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Over half (52%) of senior data and technology executives worldwide use generative AI to boost internal productivity, according to a June survey from MIT Technology Review Insights.
On today’s EMARKETER Miniseries—A Blueprint to Better Measurement—we explore the appeal of Amazon not just as a sales platform but also as an advertiser, how Amazon Ads defines omnichannel metrics, and a few examples of campaigns that have performed particularly well. EMARKETER Principal Analyst Sky Canaves speaks with Kolby Capelouto, Head of Sales for Durables at Amazon Ads. Listen everywhere you find podcasts, and watch on YouTube and Spotify.