Executive Summary

• This week’s note “From the Desk of Deborah Weinswig” looks at the split in the millennial population: Not one demographic, now they are two. 
• In the US, J.Crew Group said it is “actively exploring strategic alternatives” for itself, including a possible initial public offering for its Madewell brand of women’s clothing and accessories.
• In China, Alibaba will launch “video fingerprint” technology to stop vendors from using other vendors’ videos (a popular promotion tool) without permission.
• Brazil’s Itaú Unibanco bank has announced plans to roll out facial biometrics to stop auto loan fraud. Buyers will have to send a selfie from their phones before an auto loan is approved.