The Deep Dive: Outlook 2026 – tougher rules, faster payments, GenZ in charge

By Puja Sharma

The deep dive’ is our bi-weekly exploration of a relevant topic, hot trend, or new product. For Prime subscribers only.

How does it work?

Mambu, a SaaS cloud banking platform, has announced the release of its annual 2026 Predictions Report, offering a comprehensive look at the innovations, challenges, and market forces poised to shape the future of financial services. This report draws from insights by Mambu’s experts, partners, and customers, presenting a forward-looking vision of the FinTech landscape as it evolves into 2026 and beyond.

The 2026 Predictions Report delves into several key themes transforming the financial services industry. Among these, the rise of agentic AI stands out as a pivotal technology driving efficiency and personalisation by enabling AI agents to autonomously plan, execute, and adapt workflows in real-time within human-defined parameters. This shift signals a move from static, rules-based automation to dynamic systems capable of managing complex financial processes with greater agility and insight.

Another highlight is the evolving financial behavior of younger generations, including Gen Z and Gen Alpha. These cohorts are redefining expectations for digital-first, seamless financial experiences, pushing institutions to innovate and meet their demand for integrated services across banking, payments, and investing. This generation’s inclinations are helping accelerate adoption of embedded finance, where financial products and services are seamlessly integrated into non-financial platforms, creating new avenues for customer engagement and revenue.

Who is under the radar?

The report also addresses the growing prominence of stablecoins and cryptocurrencies, alongside blockchain technology, which continues to disrupt traditional payment rails and settlement systems. Financial services players are exploring these technologies not just for their transactional efficiencies but also for their potential to underpin new business models and reach underserved markets.

In addition, the report examines innovations in cybersecurity, compliance, and regulation, highlighting how these foundational elements are evolving to keep pace with rapid technological change. As FinTechs and banks expand their digital footprints, robust security frameworks and regulatory compliance are crucial to sustaining customer trust and operational resilience.

Islamic banking emerges as a sector experiencing significant global expansion and innovation. The report spotlights opportunities in this market, driven by increasing demand for Sharia-compliant financial products and services, particularly in regions with Muslim-majority populations and beyond.

Mambu’s report also celebrates the company’s ongoing technological advances and partnerships that support broader financial access and innovation in global markets. Through this lens, Mambu continues to play a vital role in empowering financial institutions to modernise legacy systems and deliver customer-centric solutions at scale.

Why does it matter now?

In summary, Mambu’s 2026 Predictions Report paints a picture of a FinTech ecosystem driven by advanced AI, evolving consumer behaviors, embedded finance expansion, blockchain innovations, and fortified security and regulatory frameworks. Together, these trends are set to redefine how financial products are built, delivered, and experienced, fostering a more inclusive, efficient, and resilient financial future.

“As the year draws to a close and we look ahead to the opportunities that 2026 holds, I am filled with optimism for the future of financial services,” said Fernando Zandona, CEO, Mambu. “This year has been marked by purposeful progress in our industry, moving beyond simple enablement to truly empowering people. Our 2026 predictions report reflects the conversations shaping the future of banking and payments, capturing both the disruptive forces at play and the human-centred outcomes they aim to deliver.”