The fintech sector has evolved into a critical pillar of modern banking, and in 2025, it is poised for another year of growth. Building from the momentum in the second half of 2024, this year, the sector is expected to see increased investment and merger
and acquisition activity, leading the industry to grow by more than 25% and reach a valuation of more than $200 billion. As fintechs push the boundaries of innovation and scalability, banks
serve as the backbone of their success– providing the expertise, resources, and infrastructure that transform bold ideas into lasting impact. This year, three key trends will define the fintech landscape and showcase the critical importance of collaboration
between fintechs and banks.
The power of AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionise financial services, driving advancements in risk management, compliance, and customer experience. In 2024, over
65% of businesses had already adopted generative AI, and this momentum will only increase in 2025. Financial institutions are expected to
invest $31 billion globally in AI technologies, demonstrating the transformational potential of this innovation.
While fintechs lead the way in developing cutting-edge AI solutions, banks serve as essential partners in scaling these innovations responsibly. With their regulatory expertise and deep operational experience, banks provide the critical foundation for integrating
AI into financial systems effectively and securely. By working together, fintechs and banks can merge groundbreaking innovation with proven stability, delivering smarter, faster, and more financial solutions for customers.
Real-time payments at scale
The demand for real-time payments is surging as consumers increasingly expect instant, seamless transactions – whether through digital wallets at checkout or peer-to-peer apps like Zelle and Venmo. This demand has made real-time payment capabilities a priority
for financial institutions, with scaled adoption expected to accelerate in 2025.
Banks play an instrumental role in bringing real-time payment technologies to the masses. By partnering with fintechs that specialise in these solutions, banks can integrate cutting-edge tools into their existing infrastructure, ensuring customers have access
to fast, reliable, and secure payment options. These collaborations don’t just keep pace with consumer expectations; they redefine convenience, positioning banks as the go-to providers for frictionless financial experiences while enabling fintechs to grow
and innovate within a stable, trusted framework.
Funding the future
After a period of slow investment, fintech funding is making a strong recovery in 2025, driven by improving economic conditions and renewed investor confidence. With
$408 billion in funding and $1.1 trillion in exit capital generated since 2016, fintechs have proven their resilience and value. Early signs this year already show momentum, with
$300 million raised across 17 deals in the first two weeks of 2025 alone.
Banks are uniquely positioned to support fintechs in this funding surge. Their regulatory credibility and established reputations make them invaluable allies for fintechs seeking to attract investment and scale. By forming strategic partnerships, fintechs
can leverage banks’ compliance expertise, risk management frameworks, and customer trust – key factors that help alleviate investor scrutiny. This synergy not only enhances fintechs’ credibility in the eyes of investors but also provides banks with access
to innovative technologies that enhance their own offerings, creating a win-win scenario, where fintechs grow responsibly while banks remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
A shared vision for the future
As the fintech industry matures, collaboration with banks will be more crucial than ever. New entrants face increasing pressure to navigate complex regulations, establish compliance frameworks, and build credibility – challenges that banks are uniquely equipped
to help solve. Banks, with their regulatory expertise, trusted infrastructures and deep industry knowledge, provide the stability and support fintechs need to scale responsibly and succeed.
In 2025, successful fintech-bank partnerships will be defined by transparency, shared goals, and a commitment to customer value. By leveraging their complementary strengths, banks and fintechs can accelerate innovation, improve customer experiences, and
shape the future of financial services – building a financial ecosystem that is more efficient, accessible, and forward-thinking.