FinTech trends 2026: what to expect - from quantum computing to regulation, and everything in between

In 2025, capital markets have experienced volatility, a continued AI boom that has been putting pressure on data centre spaces and supply chains, and cryptocurrencies’ increased acceptance from institutional investors and regulators. 

In 2026, we will surely continue seeing interest in AI, both for the potential applications in solutions and for the technology industry supplying hardware for GenAI. We also expect countries to look more closely at financial services’ AI-related regulation as more is understood about its impact. Cybersecurity will continue being a concern for mission-critical applications and beyond, with threat actors continuously improving their capabilities. Risk management will also continue playing an important role as volatility and navigating uncertain grounds continues. 

Here are the top 2026 predictions for fintech markets, as well as technology, as provided by specialists:



Artificial Intelligence: 

• Inference — the running of AI models — will make up two-thirds of AI compute by 2026… most inference will likely still take place in data centers using costly, power-intensive AI chips worth over US$200 billion, rather than on inexpensive chips at the edge.
• In 2026, new chipmaking technologies such as high-bandwidth memory co-packaging tools, 3D stacking, plasma etching, and GAA transistors will emerge to meet the demand for GenAI and high-performance computing. At least US$30 billion could be spent on these and other critical technologies.

(Deloitte 2026 Technology, Media & Telecommunications Predictions: Narrowing the gap between the promise of AI and its reality, 2025)

• AI is rapidly gaining traction in the fintech sector, and its adoption is set to expand significantly over the next 12 months. While AI promises major efficiencies for users, concerns are emerging within the insurance industry about potential litigation tied to its growing use.

(European fintech in 2026: Opportunities and risks | CFC | CFC, 2026)

Regulation:

• The regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly in Europe, with PSD3 on the horizon, following previous crowdfunding regulation and the ongoing implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA).
• Rapid artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in financial services is outpacing regulatory oversight. Regulators in the US, EU, UK and Asia-Pacific are taking divergent approaches to AI, with some relying on existing principles and others drafting new rules, creating a complex patchwork for global compliance functions. In response, firms must prioritise regulatory adherence and compliance for AI in each jurisdiction where they operate.
• Regulation of stablecoins is advancing quickly with countries pursuing their own paths, although there is some convergence around three key principles: full reserve backing; clear redemption rights; and robust custody and safeguarding of client assets. This fragmented regulation is expected to impact firms’ business models and lead to varying levels of stablecoin adoption across the world.

(CBE, Saidenberg and Goyne, 2025)

Quantum Computing:

• Excitement over the technology’s potential within the industry has continued to grow, and in 2026, we can expect to see scaling and operationalising of this mind-bending technology, harnessing the bizarre properties exhibited by matter at the sub-atomic level. This will involve building hybrid compute workflows combining classical and quantum processing, with quantum compute directed at the most complex calculations and optimisation problems. (Lawrence, 2025)
• Financial institutions will continue experimenting with quantum computing and IBM believes the delivery of applications with a “quantum advantage” is possible by the end of 2026, when a quantum computer can run a computation more accurately, cheaply or efficiently than a classical computer. (Brodsky, 2025)

Cybersecurity:

• Ransomware and other forms of cybercrime continue to cause widespread disruption across Europe, with incidents occurring on a daily basis – even among SMEs. The need for robust cyber resilience and risk management controls has never been greater. As threat actors continue to evolve their techniques, these measures are essential for minimising the impact of potential breaches and protecting business continuity. (European fintech in 2026: Opportunities and risks | CFC | CFC, 2026)
• Supervisors are increasingly focused on threats that originate from non-regulated sources, notably critical third-party technology providers. However, jurisdictions are moving at different speeds, with implementation of the EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act stepping up through 2026, while in the UK and Canada, key developments are awaited. Legislation in Hong Kong comes into force on 1 January 2026. In the US, oversight of these areas is shared among federal and state agencies and remains a concern. (CBE, Saidenberg and Goyne, 2025)

2026 is set to be another tumultuous year for financial services. There is definite room for innovation, but it will also be an important year for companies to ensure compliance in different jurisdictions. All in all, continued volatility, a race to competitiveness, and ongoing risks will shape the year to come.

Reference list:

Brodsky, S. (2025) Quantum computing shows promising potential in finance, Ibm.com. Available at: https://www.ibm.com/think/news/quantum-computing-shows-potential-in-finance

 

CBE, C.W., Saidenberg, M. and Goyne, E. (2025) Four regulatory shifts financial firms must watch in 2026, Ey.com. Available at: https://www.ey.com/en_gl/insights/financial-services/four-regulatory-shifts-financial-firms-must-watch-in-2026

 

Deloitte 2026 Technology, Media & Telecommunications Predictions: Narrowing the gap between the promise of AI and its reality (2025) Deloitte. Available at: https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/about/press-room/2026-tmt-predictions.html

European fintech in 2026: Opportunities and risks | CFC | CFC (2026) CFC. Available at: https://www.cfc.com/en-gb/knowledge/resources/articles/2025/12/european-fintech-in-2026-opportunities-and-risks/ 

Lawrence, D. (2025) The Difference Between ChatGPT And Generative AI, Bernard Marr. Available at: https://bernardmarr.com/the-7-banking-and-fintech-trends-that-will-define-2026/