Our Scans · (ZY.4.02) Business Studies · Weekly Summary

• [New] U.S. creator ad spend is expected to reach USD 44 billion in 2026, while three in four brands are already using or planning to use AI for creator marketing-related tasks. Globe Market Research
• [New] The Future of Finance Institute will build on existing MAS-led initiatives in AI and tokenization, including the MindForge AI Risk Management Toolkit, PathFin. Fintech Singapore
• [New] The world could target $25 trillion in possible sustainable finance investment, but needs to dismantle current barriers. Bruegel | The Brussels-based economic think tank
• [New] The sustainable finance framework is rooted in the 2020 European Green Deal plan for climate neutrality by 2050, meaning preferred policy outcomes are baked into the disclosure process on top of information that investors want. Bruegel | The Brussels-based economic think tank
• [New] 71% of in-house teams are implementing AI in their marketing operations while 93% expect to invest further in AI tech over the next 12-24 months. Digiday
• [New] The shift in priorities is visible worldwide, with Deloitte's Finance Trends 2026 reporting that 64% of finance leaders plan to prioritise AI, automation and data analysis skills over traditional ones across their teams in the year ahead. theHRDIRECTOR
• [New] The UK and Australia will work together on priority areas such as Australia's Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve, mobilization of finance, research and development and recycling collaboration. GOV.UK
• [New] As blockchain technology advances and adoption expands, digital assets are expected to play an increasingly important role in the future of finance and global commerce. Financial Business Outlook
• [New] McKinsey estimates that generative AI applied across marketing and sales could add the equivalent of roughly $463 billion in value annually, with productivity gains worth 5 to 15% of total marketing spend. TechnologyChecker.io
• [New] The $100 million Scaling up Finance for Sustainable Agroforestry in Paraguay project will be implemented by Agencia Financiera de Desarrollo, Paraguay's national development bank. Agroforestry
• [New] AI-enabled tools are already expanding from R&D into day-to-day decision-making and execution across organizations, including risk, fraud, marketing, documentation, customer service, hedging, prospecting and AML/BSA compliance. J.P. MORGAN
• [New] Credit Suisse examines how emerging capital markets could reshape global finance by 2030 as equity and bond issuance accelerates across developing economies. The Idea Farm
• [New] By 2028, a well-architected finance function will operate on a continuous, close, rolling, agent-managed basis, with variance flags surfacing in near real time. TechBullion
• [New] Generative AI could unlock between 50 and 70 billion USD in additional insurance industry revenue, concentrated in marketing, customer operations and software engineering. Tommaso Maria Ricci
• [New] The UK regulator's first external horizon scan sets out how AI, synthetic crime and programmable finance could reshape financial services by 2030. Finance Magnates
• [New] The Agricultural Finance Corporation, working with the African Development Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, will guarantee up to half the risk on a targeted KSh 100-150 billion in loans over five years. Kilimo Kwanza
• [New] Current adaptation finance flows sit at US$ 26-50 billion per year against needs of US$ 310-365 billion annually by 2035 - with less than 11% coming from the private sector. Forbes
• [New] Once foreigners, who own around one-third of all outstanding Treasury bonds, come to fear that the US will try to inflate its way out of its debt problem, it will be increasingly difficult for the US government to finance its deficit at reasonable interest rates. American Enterprise Institute - AEI
• By the end of 2026 some 90% of finance teams worldwide will operate at least one AI-driven tool. Abdul Latif Jameel
• Marketing leaders expect AI-driven automation of marketing work to more than double, from 16% in 2026 to 36% by 2028. Tru Performance
• Embedded finance is now a $185 billion opportunity for B2B SaaS platforms, and less than 20% of it is captured. Apideck
• While microfinance has expanded financial inclusion in India, sustaining future growth will require a shift towards meso-finance and stronger financial services for growing enterprises. Current Affairs - NEXT IAS

Last updated: 03 July 2026