The gamification market is flourishing as brands seek to engage potential customers in novel ways. But what do people get out of these ads and campaigns? Canvas8 spoke to Nannan Xi, a researcher at Gamification Group, to learn how different game elements affect consumer-brand relationships.

Driven in part by decreasing trust in traditional financial institutions, as well as a pandemic-induced desire to safeguard their future, more people are experimenting with virtual investments such as Bitcoin and NFTs. Some are being rewarded with new income streams, but others are diving in without fully understanding the risks.

Cryptocurrencies have had many false dawns but as people aspire to own digital assets, they're looking for brands they can trust with all aspects of their digital wallets. Venmo’s introduction of a crypto-trading feature signifies how digital wallets are servicing more than just payments.

People whose banking is enabled by Mastercard will be able to pay using digital currencies, thanks to a partnership with crypto firm Bakkt. As people feel more comfortable with crypto, financial institutions are offering them choice as well as continuing to deliver on high standards of security.