Global FinTechs eye cross-border expansion amid payments race

By Gloria Methri

A striking 77% of FinTech firms are preparing to enter new markets in the coming years, according to a newly released report by Endava, the technology-led business transformation company. Titled “Powering Growth in the Global Payments Race”, the study reveals how FinTechs across EMEA, APAC, and the Americas are balancing their global ambitions with the practicalities of building modern payments infrastructure.

Conducted in partnership with Censuswide, the research surveyed 500 senior leaders from FinTech businesses and payment providers, revealing a strong appetite for international expansion, with 85% of respondents actively considering cross-border growth. However, ambition is tempered with realism, as firms navigate a complex web of regulatory, infrastructural, and partnership challenges.

Infrastructure Modernisation a Key Priority

As digital payment trends accelerate worldwide, FinTechs are under mounting pressure to future-proof their operations. Almost half (47%) of the surveyed businesses have already implemented real-time payments, and 46% are actively investing in contactless and NFC technologies to align with shifting consumer behaviour.

Yet, as Endava’s report underscores, success in new markets hinges on adapting to local nuances. While the European Union is moving rapidly towards alternative payment rails, regions like North America and the UK are transitioning more gradually. Meanwhile, APAC, Latin America and the Middle East are witnessing an equal coexistence of traditional and modern payment methods.

The Challenge of Going Global

Global ambitions are not without hurdles. According to the research, the most pressing concerns for FinTechs looking to scale internationally include establishing local partnerships (38%), navigating infrastructure complexities (37%), and addressing regulatory compliance (33%).

“FinTechs recognise that entering new geographies is not just about technology readiness — it’s about cultural fluency, regulatory know-how, and building the right ecosystem of partners,” said Matt Cloke, Chief Technology Officer at Endava.

AI and Strategic Partnerships Emerging as Differentiators

The report also highlights the increasing role of AI in shaping FinTech strategies. Over half of respondents (56%) are using or exploring predictive analytics to understand payment trends better, and a similar number (55%) are investing in AI-led fraud detection systems — a clear signal that security and customer experience remain top priorities.

Strategic partnerships, too, are taking centre stage. Notably, 81% of FinTech leaders view collaborations with external providers as crucial to their future success. These partnerships are valued not only for competitive advantage (45%) but also for enabling integration of diverse payment technologies (45%) across jurisdictions.

A FinTech Future Built on Collaboration and Intelligence

As the global payments landscape grows increasingly interconnected, the need for agile, secure, and customer-focused solutions is more urgent than ever. Endava’s report suggests that while infrastructure and regulatory barriers remain formidable, they are far from insurmountable — provided FinTechs pair bold strategies with the right alliances and technology.

“It’s promising to see growing recognition of how technology can help FinTechs scale across markets and stay focused on what matters most — delivering secure, seamless experiences for their customers,” Cloke added.

With cross-market expansion becoming a key focus area, FinTechs that invest smartly in AI and foster strong local partnerships are best positioned to win the global payments race.