ASOS

UK Advances Social Media Ban for Under-16s

Hello Partner's Influencer Insider newsletter (published 2026-06-18) reports that the UK government confirmed plans to proceed with a ban on social media use for under‑16s, with implementation possible as early as Spring 2027. The piece gathers reactions from industry associations in the CreatorFest network and other creator-economy stakeholders, highlighting mixed responses about the law's implications for creators and platforms. The newsletter also highlights CreatorFest's new 'State of Creator Compensation in 2026' report, the release of the Global Influencer Marketing Awards 2026 shortlist (with a shortlist brunch in July), and product/metric updates from platforms such as Instagram. The article is written by Sofia Aira and frames the ban as a major development for influencer marketing, creator income models, and platform audience composition.

Bertelsmann’s Riverty Secures Luxembourg Bank License

Bertelsmann’s fintech subsidiary Riverty has received a banking license in Luxembourg, enabling the company to offer a broader range of credit products and expand its payments business. Bertelsmann is providing a three‑digit million euro equity commitment and additional investments to build the bank. Riverty — which handles invoicing and installment financing (Buy‑Now‑Pay‑Later) for merchants such as Asos and Lego — counts about 40 million customers and is positioned as a quieter, merchant‑facing alternative to Klarna. Carsten Coesfeld, Bertelsmann board member responsible for Riverty, and Riverty CEO Andreas Barth said the move strengthens European financial capabilities; the license was granted within about ten months. The article notes Arvato’s recent revenue growth and suggests Riverty may fill gaps left by Solaris exiting parts of the card business.

Bertelsmann Fintech Riverty Wins Bank License

Bertelsmann's fintech subsidiary Riverty has received a bank licence in Luxembourg, enabling the company to offer a broader range of credit products. Bertelsmann will provide a three‑digit million euro equity commitment and additional investments to build the bank. Riverty, which handles invoice and instalment payments (Buy Now, Pay Later) for merchants including Asos and Lego, reported growth within Bertelsmann's Arvato services division and counts about 40 million customers. Bertelsmann board member Carsten Coesfeld, who oversees Riverty, and Riverty CEO Andreas Barth said the licence — granted within about ten months — positions the company to expand European financial services while keeping the Riverty brand largely merchant‑facing rather than becoming a consumer retail bank. The move is positioned as a competitive alternative to Klarna and may fill gaps left by Solaris's recent pullback from certain card products.