TD Bank digital glitch had very bad timing: The bank restored account access to online and mobile channels after an outage attributed to a service provider—unfortunately, it coincided with a payday and the first distribution of monthly US Child Tax Credit payments.
China’s wallets have gone mobile
There’s a lot of attention paid to direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands right now, and for good reason: in addition to the pandemic-fueled 45.5% growth from 2019 to 2020, US digital D2C sales are expected to grow another 15.9% in 2021, reaching $175 billion by 2023, according to our estimates.
This month, the bank is starting to deploy its integrated digital offering, potentially reaching half a million customers in July—a measured approach that reduces the risk of any glitches alienating too many customers.
Digital health’s funding frenzy isn’t slowing down: The first half of 2021 brought in a new record high of $15 billion in digital health funding, with telehealth investments accounting for the biggest chunk—here’s why digital health funding is beating the odds despite a drop in telehealth use.
Disney sees straight-to-streaming success: "Black Widow" made $60 million from Disney+ rentals despite theaters being mostly reopened, a success story that could have lasting effects on future movie release plans.
A new government task force will work to bolster US cyber defenses to combat surging ransomware attacks. Though an important first step, effective ransomware prevention will likely require either comprehensive legislation or scalable local security initiatives.
A pair of government watchdog reports into federal use of facial recognition has reinvigorated bipartisan calls for AI regulation generally. Algorithmic amplification of online content could present an opportunity for consensus for both parties, albeit from different angles.
Following a diminished need to refresh their wardrobe, consumers are excited to celebrate the holiday season in style. Watch Industry Voices: Holiday Preparedness with Banana Republic’s Jen Mullen, vice president and head of stores, to hear how the fashion retailer is applying learnings from last year to ensure a seamless holiday shopping experience.
Advertisers are still betting on the Olympics: The much anticipated, highly discussed games brought in 20% more TV ad sales in the US than their Rio predecessor.
Counterfeit hearables have proliferated alongside surging consumer demand for AirPods and other devices. Though most counterfeiters seek to replicate well-known brands, the continuing chip shortage has also incentivized production of counterfeit semiconductors, which could pose risks to consumers.
With the $70 million raise, the insurtech will further gamify the industry, and a recent uptick in online searches for life insurance and a need for better employee benefits can increase growth.