On this first episode of the year, we explore the key banking and payment trends of 2023. We discuss trends and predictions, crunch important numbers you need to know, and have a conversation about how the different players in banking will capitalize, adapt, or get left behind. Join the conversation with host Rob Rubin, our principal analyst Tiffani Montez, and vice president of content Dan Van Dyke.

Consumers pull back on discretionary spending: While that’s an ominous sign for retailers such as Macy’s and lululemon, there are still some glimmers of hope on the horizon.

The top priority among US mobile banking users is knowing that their information is safe, according to our latest benchmark study of this banking channel. More than half (56%) said being notified of a Social Security number breach was “extremely valuable” to them, while 51% said the same of alerts for unusual account activity.

CES delves into the creator economy: Sessions included topics such as data accessibility and influence of AI, underscoring the rising power of the booming creative class.

Tesla losing momentum in China: Faced with increasing competition, Teslas are being discounted in its biggest growth market. Shares continue to spiral while CEO Elon Musk hangs out at Twitter.

The beer industry is not recession-proof: Rising prices are denting demand as cash-strapped consumers look for cheaper alcoholic options.

Could the great WBD cull of 2022 be over? After a half year of content disappearing from HBO, WBD execs say the future is about “relaunching and building.”

Spending on original TV shows to fade: Tough economy to prompt cutbacks by streamers and broadcasters, but Disney and others will still invest heartily.

Consumers spent $211.7 billion online over the 2022 holiday season (from November 1 to December 31), growing 3.5% year over year, per Adobe Analytics.

TikTok deal with IMDb enables discovery feature: Users can link to TV and movie content in their videos.

Samsung’s sinking profits: Declining demand for PCs, smartphones, and memory is eroding the tech giant’s value in its consumer electronics and chip fabrication businesses.

Tech’s economic pain isn’t letting up: Economic recovery eludes the tech industry as the Fed targets the overall strong job market’s role in driving inflation. Expect more corporate downsizing.

Quantum claim leads to shock and disbelief: Chinese researchers say they’ve broken standard internet encryption with a quantum computer. True or false, it serves as a warning for better preparation.

The firm is reportedly in talks over a sale. We discuss why it could be an attractive acquisition and how likely a buyout is.

In the first week of the new year, US regulators came out swinging against Coinbase, Binance, FTX, and Celsius.

A review of job postings and applicants year over year reveals it’s easy to find tech talent, but harder to attract candidates in legal and compliance.

VP Kamala Harris also is on the fintechs’s side. But banking industry trade groups are offering lots of counterpoints.