As we settle into 2025, it’s become clear that the future of the payments industry will be defined by the technologies that businesses around the world choose to prioritise today.
According to our latest research on payments trends, the key areas of focus for merchants and other organisations are innovations that will serve to streamline operations, enhance security, and unlock actionable insights.
AI marches on
Two-thirds (66%) of respondents to our recent industry survey highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as an enabler for fraud detection and operational efficiency.
AI has moved far beyond just simply automating processes – it’s about creating smarter systems that can adapt to evolving fraud patterns, and more sophisticated cyber-attacks, whilst optimising efficiency at scale. Its real potential lies in strategic, targeted applications. Businesses that look to prioritise ROI-driven AI projects will be the ones to unlock its transformative power.
Whilst AI holds huge potential, it’s also important to point out that regulatory pressures are certain to impact the viability of AI for many organisations.
The European Union’s AI Act entered into force in August 2024, becoming the world’s first comprehensive AI law. The Act will now be implemented in stages, becoming fully effective by August 2026. This year, it’s worth keeping a close eye on which way the world’s other regulators are starting to lean.
Interpreting the vast array of data in today’s marketplace
Data analytics, meanwhile, was cited by 57% of respondents as a means of empowering businesses to make much smarter decisions.
Data analytics has become increasingly vital as the sheer amount of data available snowballs. It’s not just a case of understanding customers; it’s now more about anticipating their needs. The ability to extract actionable insights from data is a cornerstone of competitive advantage. It’s the fuel that powers personalisation that will resonate with consumers – and informed, real-time decisions that will improve every aspect of the payment journey.
The understandable focus on AI and data analytics highlights a critical shift in how businesses are preparing for the future of payments. These two trends reflect a broader industry focus on leveraging intelligence to address both current challenges and future demands.
Together, AI and data analytics represent a shift towards a payments ecosystem that is not only more efficient but also deeply attuned to the needs of businesses and consumers alike. The companies that master these technologies will set the standard for innovation in 2025 and beyond.
And there are other areas to consider carefully.
API-based integration (39%) is breaking down silos, enabling seamless, adaptable payment systems, while biometric authentication (15%) indicates the evolving attitudes towards account and identity verification, signalling a shift towards more modern, user-centric security and risk management. Cloud computing (11%) underpins these advancements, providing the foundations for scalability and flexibility to meet the growing demands facing merchants in markets around the world.
Technologies like API integrations, data analytics, and cloud computing all offer enormous potential for simplifying back-end operations and creating a more efficient and streamlined payment system. It’s time for merchants and other businesses to make the right investment choices that will guide their long-term success.
What's next?
The payments industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace. For further insights, check out our 2025 Commerce and Payment Trends Report, which uncovers the trends and innovations that will define 2025 and help you to navigate the future of payments and commerce.