Gen Z stories

Australian investors surge into US options trading with a 62.7% rise despite market volatility, trading USD $116.5 million in contracts in H1 2025.

Shoppers increasingly favour local luxury, with £41 billion spent annually on emotion-driven impulse buys, signalling a shift from big brands to local products.

New research reveals 78% of Aussie travellers face hidden bank card fees abroad, with charges costing some up to AUD $4,000 annually on holidays.

Research by Amplitude shows 58% of UK consumers abandon brands after app glitches, prioritising seamless functionality over sleek design to keep loyalty.

Awareness of retail fraud surges via social media, with risks looming at USD $107bn by 2029 as consumers grow tempted and acceptance rises.

Adyen's report reveals 36% of Canadian consumers use AI for shopping, a 44% rise, with over half open to future AI-assisted purchases.

Australia's new BNPL rules from June 2025 bring protections but leave credit reporting and borrowing impact unclear for millions of users.

Deloitte survey reveals NZ Gen Z and millennials prioritise financial security, well-being, and purpose, with rising workplace stress and growing GenAI use.

Salesforce's report reveals 85% of Singaporean retailers plan to boost AI investments, with 69% viewing AI agents as vital for competitive edge in 2025.

eCommerce retailers are boosting loyalty and revenue by using WhatsApp's 3 billion-user reach for faster, efficient, and personalised customer service.

Passwords are fading as biometrics, like fingerprints and facial recognition, emerge as Australia’s secure, hassle-free future for digital access.

Australia and New Zealand face a critical skills shortage as demand for managerial and professional roles surges, experts warn. Upskilling is urgent.

Most Kiwis value training and development highly, with 75% seeing it as essential amid a tight job market and rising demand for future-ready skills.

A report reveals 42% of workplace information accessed is irrelevant, causing staff frustration and a daily three-hour loss in productivity.

Ecommpay offers free neurodiversity training on 20 May 2025 to partners and clients, fostering inclusive workplaces in payments and FinTech sectors.

A new report reveals 56% of Gen Z Australians dislike credit cards, favouring debit cards and BNPL services amid rising financial stress and complexity.

Half of New Zealanders feel overwhelmed by digital notifications, with social media and emails disrupting wellbeing and productivity, finds 2degrees research.

A recent survey reveals that while 70% of UK respondents have embraced AI in daily life, only 44% utilise it in the workplace, lagging behind global averages.

Banked has acquired UK app VibePay to boost Pay by Bank with new incentives, expanding presence in UK, US, Australia, and accelerating global adoption.

Research from Square reveals younger Australians, especially Gen Z, are dining out and spending more, while older generations cut back amid cost-of-living pressures.