Fintech Forward Newsletter - Issue 24
11 November 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, it’s time to take a look at predictions for the year ahead. This newsletter explores what analysts and other influencers see in store for the global banking and fintech landscape. Advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and quantum computing are expected to play a key role in delivering faster, smarter, and more efficient services.
Over the next five years, AI will shift from a supporting role in financial services to becoming a core operational enabler. Institutions that successfully integrate AI while maintaining governance, investing in workforce reskilling, and building trust will be well positioned to achieve sustainable digital transformation.
Complementing these projections, tokenized money, CBDCs and blockchain are set to reshape the global financial ecosystem under evolving regulatory and geopolitical dynamics. While AI’s influence will continue to ripple across financial services, success for new digital entrants will remain challenging, emphasizing that long-term growth will depend on strategic innovation, compliance, and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies.
Seven forces redefining banking and fintech
In 2026, banking services will rely on cutting-edge technologies to stay competitive, driving faster transactions, smarter decisions and greater efficiency. AI will lead this transformation, supported by innovations in blockchain and quantum computing that empower both institutions and consumers says futurist Bernard Marr.
IDC FutureScape: 2026 banking and payments forecast
Within five years, IDC foresees that AI will evolve from a support tool to a core operating layer for financial services. Institutions that successfully balance innovation with governance, workforce reskilling, and trust will achieve sustainable digital transformation.
Top Takeaways
Impact of AI
In 2026, Forrester predicts that AI will reshape financial services and boost innovation, though not all new digital banking entrants will succeed.
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Predict 2026
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