Latest Marketing & Advertising News
Global Ad Spend Set to Surpass $1 Trillion in 2026
Global advertising expenditure is projected to exceed US$1 trillion in 2026, driven by APAC growth in digital and AI channels. Short-form video in China, retail media in India, and events like FIFA World Cup boost momentum. Marketers gain significant opportunities from these trends.
Smart Bidding Ad Spend Surges 50% Among APAC Marketers
Mintegral's 2026 report shows over 50% growth in smart bidding ad spend as APAC shifts to ROI-focused mobile strategies. Short drama apps lead with triple-digit revenue growth, up to 1,200% YoY. AI integration and rewarded video ads enhance profitability.
Grab Acquires StashAway for $425M in Southeast Asia Expansion
Grab's February 2026 acquisition of StashAway for US$425 million bolsters its super-app into financial services, intensifying competition in SEA. Over 50% of APAC marketers boost budgets for video, e-commerce, influencers. Gen AI use rises but consumer concerns over fake ads persist.
India Hits 100 Million Weekly ChatGPT Users, Leads Globally
India reaches 100 million weekly ChatGPT users, topping global student base ahead of Sam Altman's AI Impact Summit visit. Priorities include AI literacy, infrastructure, and workflow integration. This underscores India's AI adoption surge.
Anthropic Opens Bengaluru Office, Expands India Partnerships
Anthropic launches its second Asia office in Bengaluru, led by Irina Ghose, to hire local talent across roles. Focuses on India growth post-Tokyo office. Enhances regional AI capabilities for marketing applications.
Meta Integrates Manus AI into Ads Manager After $2B Acquisition
Meta completes acquisition of Chinese AI startup Manus, valued over $2 billion, integrating it into Ads Manager early 2026. Aims to advance AI-driven advertising tools. Boosts personalization and efficiency.
AI Rewriting Ad Industry Jobs and Strategies
Large language models reshape brand-consumer reach, pressuring traditional ad agencies on February 16, 2026. Marketing shifts to intent-and-context targeting for AI agents. SEO evolves alongside GEO.
Multiplied Agency Expands to Sydney from New Zealand
Independent agency Multiplied opens Sydney office led by Alex Edwards to serve Australian brands alongside NZ clients like Heineken. Driven by client demand for brand and commercial growth. Marks international push.
Tabcorp Launches Major Agency Review for Creative and Media
Australian firm Tabcorp reviews creative, media, sponsorship partners, inviting pitches from holding groups and independents. Follows business changes; RFP released last week. Seeks optimized marketing partnerships.
Mutinex Releases 2026 CMO Whitepaper on Measurement Readiness
Mutinex launches whitepaper 'Is Your Organisation Measurement Ready in 2026?' for CMOs, addressing marketing measurement challenges. Helps senior leaders prepare for data-driven strategies. Focuses on ROI and analytics.
L’Oreal Resets India Strategy for Ambitious 2026 Growth
L’Oreal's CEO announces leadership and strategy reset in India despite growth, aiming for stronger performance. Targets higher market share via ambitious plans. Aligns with regional trends.
Global Marketing Firms Embrace Remote Hiring Models
Marketing agencies worldwide resume hiring post-slowdown via remote models, avoiding office reopenings. Dated February 16, 2026, reflects shift in talent acquisition. Supports flexible operations.