Although the past few years have been a turbulent time for startups, the FinTech sector still saw over $51bn of investment in the first half of 2024, according to KPMG.
FinTech, or financial technology, has grown into a huge business. Whilst the sector started out by digitising elements like banking, it has now expanded into FX, lending and loans, crypto, investment apps and more.
Whilst the sector has definitely grown massively in the past few years, we were keen to hear what the experts thought we had in store for 2025.
Here’s what they had to say….
Our Experts
- Jonathan Moffat, Head of Business Finance at Clifton Private Finance
- June Ou, CEO of Provenance Blockchain
- Paul Taylor, Vice President of Product at Smarsh
- Nada Ali Redha, CEO of PLIM Finance
- Katherine Maslova, Founding Member and CBDO of Bourgeois Bohème (BoBo)
- Andie Dovgan, Chief Growth Officer at Creatio
- Shaun Gomm, Commercial Director at Nexer Digital
- Roman Eloshvili, Founder of ComplyControl and CEO of XData Group
- Luke Kyohere, Group CPIO at Onafriq
- Eyal Moldovan, CEO and Co-founder of 40Seas
- Adam Zoucha, MD EMEA at FloQast
- Royden Greaves, CEO and founder of Jarvis
- Dmitrij Sosunov, Partner at FirstPick
- Philipp Buschmann, Co-Founder and CEO of AAZZUR
- Rachel Curtis, CEO of Inicio AI
- Armando Gonzalez, CEO and founder of Bigdata.com
- Martin Hartley, Group CCO of emagine
- Matt Ford, CEO at Sidekick
- Simas Simanauskas, Chief Business Officer at ConnectPay
- Anish Kapoor, CEO of AccessPay
- Dana Lunberry, Head of Data Strategy at SBS
- Adam Preis, Director of Product and Solution Marketing at Ping Identity
For any questions, comments or features, please contact us directly.
Jonathan Moffat, Head of Business Finance at Clifton Private Finance
“We’re currently at a crossroads in the future of technology and how it’s used in finance. Consumer-led finance is making huge advancements in how it adopts technology and integrates it into the application process. However, the commercial finance sector still has some work to do in this area.
“At Clifton Private Finance, we’re using technology like AI and facial recognition to speed up identification so that we can focus on providing value through tailored guidance and one-to-one support. We also use it for fraud detection, such as using it to analyse unusual patterns in bank statements. Tasks like this have previously been done manually, and many brokers are still doing so.
“But automating the process frees up our time, and it can spot errors that may not be obvious to the untrained eye. It’s likely we’ll see more of this in the coming years as more commercial brokers integrate these features. However, it’s important to keep the human touch as we progress.
“Technology should always be a tool that brokers use to improve the service, instead of at a detriment to it, because financial advice will always need to be human-led.”
June Ou, CEO of Provenance Blockchain
“2025 is the year DeFi takes off its training wheels and rides straight into the fintech fast lane. For too long, DeFi’s been that brilliant-but-awkward kid in the corner – full of potential but too complicated and a bit intimidating for the average person. That’s all about to change.
“Next year, we’ll see fintech and DeFi collide in a way that’s impossible to ignore. Picture intuitive apps that let people save, invest, and borrow with transparency and efficiency – and without needing a PhD in crypto. Platforms will feel safer, smoother, and, dare I say, kind of fun. And powering a lot of that magic will be blockchain infrastructure like Provenance Blockchain.
“Let’s be real: when people hear “fintech,” they’re not immediately thinking “blockchain.” But by 2025, they’ll feel the benefits whether they realize it or not – lower fees, faster transactions, instant settlement results into clarity as to where their money and assets are. No more worrying if their money is stuck in institution limbo. The line between DeFi and fintech will blur, and the result will be financial systems that are smarter, sleeker, and better for everyone.”
Paul Taylor, Vice President of Product at Smarsh
“This year has shown that non-financial misconduct (NFM) persists as an issue for the financial services sector, particularly following The House of Commons’ Sexism in the City report. Our own recent research into this found that 63% of employees in the sector aren’t completely confident in their organisation’s ability to detect instances of NFM. In 2025, leaders will need to rebuild trust with their employees and establish effective systems that can identify NFM instances.
“With our research showing that 66% of employees in the sector are supportive of AI being used to help detect NFM in their organisation’s workplace communications, a clear use case for the technology emerges. As firms build out their strategies to combat NFM in 2025 and onwards, there is an opportunity to deploy purpose-built AI to analyse the communications data they are already storing for recordkeeping and detection of financial crime, to also detect NFM instances at scale. While AI has widespread uses across this industry, this is one area in which it can make a real impact and help stamp out issues that threaten organisational culture, reputation and bottom lines.”
Nada Ali Redha, CEO of PLIM Finance
“As we move into 2025, the fintech landscape is set for transformation, driven by AI, cybersecurity, and digital payments.
“AI and Machine Learning: AI is revolutionising fintech by automating critical processes like fraud detection and credit risk assessment, allowing for faster, more accurate decision-making. At PLIM Finance, we’re exploring how AI can deliver more customised financing solutions in the healthcare and aesthetic sectors. However, ethical AI usage will be a key challenge, with a focus on transparency and fairness.
“Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: As financial services become more digital, the need for robust cybersecurity increases. Zero Trust Architectures (ZTA), which continuously verify users and devices, will be key in protecting sensitive data. At PLIM Finance, safeguarding customer data is a priority, and we’re enhancing systems to meet the highest security standards.
“Digital Payments and CBDCs: Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) will reshape the payments landscape. Fintech companies will need to integrate CBDCs for seamless, secure transactions. At PLIM Finance, we’re focused on incorporating these solutions to offer frictionless payments for healthcare and aesthetic treatments, keeping innovation and compliance at the core.”
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Katherine Maslova, Founding Member and CBDO of Bourgeois Bohème (BoBo)
“Fintech platforms will prioritise user engagement and innovation more than ever. For example, gamified educational tools, webinars, and targeted digital content will attract and empower younger wealth holders, fulfilling their desire for autonomy while moving away from traditional structures.
“Sustainability and social impact will also take centre stage. Fintech companies are integrating ESG ratings, sustainability metrics, and impact investing options into their offerings to meet the value-driven preferences of Millennials and Gen Z.
“AI and machine learning will transform client profiling, fraud monitoring, investment recommendations, and portfolio optimisation, enhancing operational efficiency, particularly in back-office operations and customer service.
“Embedded finance will grow as financial services integrate even more heavily into non-financial platforms, letting consumers access banking, lending, or insurance directly within daily-use apps, enhancing convenience and user experience.
“With increased reliance on digital platforms, cybersecurity will remain a top priority. Financial companies will continue adopting robust measures to prevent data breaches and ensure compliance with evolving data protection regulations.
“To summarise, in 2025, the fintech landscape will favour platforms blending innovation with ethical, user-centric solutions, delivering personalised services while maintaining security and sustainability at their core.”
Andie Dovgan, Chief Growth Officer at Creatio
“There will be an increase in unified digital lending platforms for member-centric loans. AI and no-code will allow credit unions to create digital lending platforms that offer members a seamless loan application experience, from pre-qualification to approval. In 2025, unified platforms will enable credit unions to compete with FinTechs by offering fast, personalised loan experiences that can adapt to each member’s financial situation.”
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Shaun Gomm, Commercial Director at Nexer Digital
“The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is set to transform FinTech in 2025, requiring companies to ensure their products and services are accessible by everyone. As the compliance deadline approaches, the industry faces both challenges and opportunities in adapting to these new standards.
“For FinTech companies, grappling with the EAA will demand investment in accessible design and development. Features like screen reader compatibility, simplified navigation, and interfaces that adapt to different user needs will become standard, ensuring financial services are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. This push will force tech teams to adopt inclusive design and development principles from the outset, rather than treating accessibility as an afterthought.
“The rewards for those who embrace accessibility will be great as it will open up their services to millions of underserved customers, build trust in a socially conscious market, and strengthen their competitive edge. This may also lead to further innovation in how FinTechs evolve.
“By 2025, the EAA will have become a driving force for change, encouraging companies to place usability and accessibility at the heart of their offerings. Forward-thinking tech firms who adapt quickly will stand to gain the most.”
Roman Eloshvili, Founder of ComplyControl and Founder and CEO of XData Group
“The main trend in 2025 is going to be the widespread implementation of artificial intelligence in various areas of fintech and banking. AI will be actively used in customer support, compliance, personalization of services and automation of many processes. This will significantly reduce operating costs, allow to combat the shortage of specialists in a number of areas, and help make fintech companies more efficient.
“Another thing worth noting is that in 2025, AI implementation will be easier than it has been in 2024. There will be many ready-made solutions on the market available for integration, and AI models will reach a new level in terms of decision quality.
“At the same time, the cost of such solutions will not be too high (most likely comparable to the prices of current standard legacy systems or even lower). It’s also possible that AI will become an integral part of other technologies and services and companies will offer it as additional functionality in service packages for a minimal extra fee (or even for free). Many big names, such as Google or Microsoft are already doing this.
“In short, AI will move away from being a novel curiosity and become just one of more “standard” additional tools, just a more efficient one.”
Luke Kyohere, Group CPIO at Onafriq
“In 2025, we will see many business leaders buying into AI through respected providers relying on well-researched platforms and huge data sets. Most companies don’t have budget to invest on their own research and development in AI, so many are now opting to ‘buy’ into the technology rather than ‘build’ it themselves. Moreover, many businesses are concerned about the risks associated with data ownership and accuracy so buying software is another way to avoid this risk.
“In payments, the proliferation of AI will continue to improve user experience and increase security. To detect fraud, AI is used to track patterns and payment flows in real time. If unusual activity is detected, the technology can be used to flag or even block payments which may be fraudulent.
“When it comes to user experience, we will also see AI being used to improve interface design of payment platforms. The technology will also increasingly be used for translation for international payments platforms.”
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Eyal Moldovan, CEO and Co–founder of 40Seas
“One trend that I see continuing in 2025 is the embedded finance movement, which helps companies to meet prospective customers where they already are, without asking them to migrate off-platform to access financial services. This movement is prompting many traditional payment processors to evolve and provide embedded finance solutions themselves, with a view to boosting competitiveness. In the coming year, the integration of financial services into existing operational frameworks will provide unique opportunities for both non-financial and financial entities to diversify their service offerings. Looking ahead to 2025, I anticipate more industry verticals will incorporate embedded financial services into their operational models, due to the efficiency gains such as reducing customer acquisition costs.
Additionally, over the next year, regulatory compliance will be an absolute top priority for enterprises across the fintech space, particularly in terms of automated compliance and scalability. No fintech can afford to stand still and rest on their laurels from a compliance perspective, and those that strategically integrate the compliance piece across domains like product, business, and R&D, will be in a better position to succeed. We can also expect a proliferation of personalized financial products tailored to individual needs.”
Adam Zoucha, MD EMEA at FloQast
“The real value of AI will come into focus in 2025. For finance teams, AI will act as a copilot, automating routine tasks and giving time back to accountants to become strategic assets for their organisations.
“This shift will help the industry tackle talent shortages with agility, turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Embracing AI isn’t just about keeping pace; it’s about unlocking the full potential of accountants as key players in driving business success.
“Compliance and risk, when managed properly, can drive real value for organisations. In 2025, the nuanced relationship between compliance, reputation and risk means it’s likely to move up the corporate agenda.
“Technology can be a real driver here, and compliance strategies are fundamental to the larger accounting transformation journey. By taking a more holistic approach to compliance, rather than treating it as a mere checkbox exercise – compliance can become a valuable asset. Currently, only 16% of organisations take this strategic view, revealing a significant opportunity for those willing to innovate and elevate their compliance efforts.”
Royden Greaves, CEO and founder of Jarvis
“Pensions are often seen as a “faraway thing”, so innovation in this sector is often slow or altogether forgotten. Recent pledges of pension reform have brought it to the forefront, and as such there is wider recognition of the importance of financial planning for the future. Fintechs will capitalise on this and work to provide useful information and solutions for people today so that they can benefit in the future. The fintechs that are truly ahead of the curve will address the changing workplace landscape by offering auto-enrolment and serve the self-employed and ever-increasing gig economy which includes freelancers and contractors.”
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Dmitrij Sosunov, Partner at FirstPick
“In 2025, we believe FinTech is moving toward deeper integration into everyday life. Embedded finance seems to be gaining traction, allowing businesses to incorporate payments, lending, and banking directly into their platforms, creating more seamless user experiences.
“The rise of generative AI is shaping the way financial services operate, particularly in data analysis, personalization, and decision-making processes.
“Decentralized finance (DeFi) continues to grow, and regulatory frameworks seem to be evolving to meet this innovation. A potential shift toward hybrid models, blending decentralized and traditional systems, might emerge as a way to balance innovation with trust and compliance.
“Another transformative trend is the concept of agentic payments. AI-powered systems, such as autonomous agents, are beginning to independently manage financial transactions on behalf of users. This could revolutionize areas like subscription management, automated purchases, and personalized spending, enabling greater convenience and efficiency.”
Philipp Buschmann, Co-Founder and CEO of AAZZUR
“In 2025 the major players like Revolut will only grow bigger and they will start buying suppliers and monetising their customers. This may lead to more fees or a greater net interest rate margin. BaaS is moving to B2B, leaving space open for new players in the lower ranks. Finally, regulation is killing some of the opportunity or shifting it to tokenised solutions that are cheaper. Overall, moving into 2025 we can expect much growth and ubiquity in this space.”
Rachel Curtis, CEO of Inicio AI
“The Fintech landscape for 2025? Messy!
“The pace of change will continue as innovation accelerates and increasingly niche micro-services are developed delivering hyper focused solutions. The gap between early adopters and laggards of Fintech solutions will continue to widen, driven by multiple elements such as regulation, risk profile and the sheer inability to adapt existing clunky tech stacks to new solutions.
“We haven’t yet seen the full impact of the largest regulatory change in UK Financial Services history – Consumer Duty. 2025 may be when enforcements start to impact and we start seeing organisations stuck in the loop of not having the space to adopt tech that could save them. Many Fintechs are popping up in this area and will likely ‘clean up’ if they can achieve the golden triad of demonstrating compliance, delighting customers and reducing costs.
“Fintechs that can collaborate to build broader solutions combining the most specialist services may succeed in getting through the doors of Financial Services companies. They have a lot of challenges to solve but struggle to implement niche tech solutions so those that can plug bits together to deliver something where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts could do well. “
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Armando Gonzalez, CEO and founder of Bigdata.com
“In 2025, as we navigate ongoing economic uncertainty and rapid technological disruption, AI is set to play a central role in financial operations. Two key innovations to watch are Agentic AI and Chain of Thought (CoT) reasoning. These approaches allow AI to tackle complex problems step-by-step, much like how seasoned analysts work, improving decision-making and providing more accurate predictions.
“But this isn’t just about automating tasks or cutting costs. It’s about enhancing human expertise, freeing analysts to focus on more strategic, high-impact work. Traditional metrics will still matter, but we’re also going to see a growing emphasis on alternative data, like sentiment analysis or global hiring trends. AI’s ability to process these datasets at scale will help financial organizations stay ahead and manage risks more effectively.
“That said, it’s important to be realistic: AI isn’t a magic solution. It’s a tool, and like any tool, it needs careful management. For fintech, the priority has to be on data quality, transparency, and ethical practices to make sure AI delivers value in a way that’s both sustainable and equitable.”
Martin Hartley, Group CCO of emagine
“Fintech will undergo transformative changes in 2025, largely driven by AI and machine learning reshaping financial innovation. Key trends include enhanced personalisation of financial services using AI to tailor strategies based on individual goals. I think we are likely to see Chatbots handling more complex tasks, in line with increasing customer expectations for technology able to solve problems more efficiently.
“We will also see a focus on advanced fraud detection powered by real-time machine learning, and autonomous trading systems will be able to execute complex strategies with minimal human input.
“Blockchain will also likely see broader adoption, as regulated cryptocurrencies and CBDCs become increasingly mainstream and therefore more accessible to smaller organisations.
“Ethical AI and transparent governance will be crucial as fintech’s balance innovation with privacy and fairness. These advancements will redefine consumer experiences and accelerate the digital transformation of financial institutions, but only if transparency is prioritised.
“All financial institutions will be expected to be transparent about data such as energy use and carbon emissions generated by transactions, so fintech firms will need to prioritise reporting. Customers are increasingly eager to use eco conscious providers so getting this right will enhance overall trust.”
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Matt Ford, CEO at Sidekick
“We’re entering a new era where comprehensive wealth management tools and more sophisticated asset classes are no longer locked away for the ultra-wealthy. What was once a luxury is now becoming accessible, and platforms like Sidekick are leading the charge. As barriers come down, today’s ambitious investors will have access to strategies that were previously out of reach, levelling the playing field in wealth building.
“As the adoption of large language models as ‘AI personal assistants’ continues to proliferate, the financial advice gap will start to close. People will defer to tools like ChatGPT to analyse their portfolios and optimise their strategies, saving them money not only on advice fees, but smart trades and tax bills too. LLMs can be trained on an individual’s investing history, values and preferences, unique tax situation and many more variables – making it highly personal and data-driven at a fraction of the cost of traditional advice.”
Simas Simanauskas, Chief Business Officer at ConnectPay
“Fintech is set to significantly impact the sports industry in 2025, transforming how fans engage with their favorite teams and events. Recent studies show that 60% of fans feel more connected to teams offering integrated payment systems in their mobile apps, highlighting the mutual benefit of collaboration between sports and financial technology. Modern fans are no longer just spectators – they want to participate actively in the sports community. From exclusive content access to influencing team branding decisions like logos or jerseys, their loyalty is deeply integrated into the digital ecosystem.
“This is where fintech bridges the gap between sports and technology. Embedded payment solutions, such as digital wallets or team-branded bank cards, enhance fan experiences by enabling seamless ticket purchases, personalized merchandise orders, and in-stadium conveniences like pre-ordering snacks without leaving their seats. Data analytics also plays a crucial role in helping sports organizations understand fan preferences, from exclusive locker room content to tailored loyalty programs. In 2025, this synergy will not only redefine fan interactions but also set new standards for monetization and audience connection in the sports industry.”
Anish Kapoor, CEO of AccessPay
“Change is a constant in payments and 2024 has been another busy year. As we move into 2025, the payments landscape will continue to be shaped by challenges and advancements.
“Fraud remains a major concern, with the latest data from UK Finance showing a 16% increase in cases in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. On a positive note, total authorised push payment (APP) fraud losses are down, but more worryingly, non-personal losses to APP fraud have reached record highs.
“Technological innovation is also driving change. We can expect a growth in generative AI Agents for use in several business functions, including finance. AI can also aid fraud prevention, but in many respects, it is a double-edged sword, as it can equally be exploited by criminals to create sophisticated scams.
“ISO 20022 and other technological advances pave the way for financial transformation, but many businesses struggle to understand the art of the possible. The launch of the National Payments Vision is to be welcomed and should help drive targeted transformation in the payments ecosystem. “
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Dana Lunberry, Head of Data Strategy at SBS
“Data analytics, fueled by advanced AI, will grow as a core executive priority for banks and financial institutions.
“Although banks have ample data, they have historically lacked the systems and processes to leverage it effectively. However, recent technological advancements have changed this landscape. In the coming year, we’ll see financial organizations investing more heavily in modernizing their data infrastructure.
“For many, this will include enhancing data management capabilities so that AI-driven tools, such as generative AI and machine learning models, can effectively personalize customer experiences, optimize risk management, and automate compliance—enabling a shift from reactive data handling to proactive, predictive decision-making. AI-powered data warehouses and real-time analytics platforms now allow institutions to derive deep customer insights rapidly, scaling and adapting services at speeds unimaginable a decade ago. This evolution will enable banks to transform decades of legacy information and new data streams into innovative products, services, and experiences, creating a significant competitive advantage.”
Adam Preis, Director of Product and Solution Marketing at Ping Identity
“NIS2 compliance has been on the CISO agenda for a while, but in 2025, its influence will be impossible to ignore. The Directive’s scope will affect more than just financial services in the EU, demanding compliance from sectors like research, public administration, waste management, postal services, and IT services, via investment that genuinely strengthens and future-proofs cybersecurity resilience at both organisational and critical infrastructure levels. Failure to comply won’t just be a regulatory setback, it could result in hefty fines, reputational damage and leave organisations vulnerable in an increasingly threat-laden landscape.
“As implementation deadline approaches in January 2025, I predict CISOs will need to reevaluate their security policies across risk analysis, incident management, business continuity planning, and crisis recovery management. With the interconnectedness of the EU, all organisations including those in the UK should also continually examine the wider ecosystem and ensure standards are driven across supplier and partner organisations. Ignoring these imperatives isn’t an option; the cost of inaction is too high both from a compliance and vulnerability standpoint. This makes NIS2 a crucial step towards a secure future for all.”
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