How the World Economic Forum sees the future of fintech security

A landmark report from the World Economic Forum signals a fundamental shift in the global fintech landscape. The industry’s “growth-at-all-costs” phase is giving way to a more mature, strategic era defined by sustainable profitability, deep industry collaboration, and the transformative power of artificial intelligence.

The global fintech sector is entering a new, more sustainable chapter, according to the second edition of the Future of Global Fintech report, released in June 2025. The findings, based on a global survey of 240 fintech companies, show a clear pivot away from the frantic race for customer acquisition towards a more balanced focus on building profitable, long-term value.

This evolution marks a significant coming-of-age for an industry that has long been characterized by disruption. Now, the focus is on integration, efficiency, and strategic innovation.

From User Growth to Profitability

The report highlights a significant normalization in customer growth, which slowed to an average of 37% between 2022-2023, down from 52% in the preceding period.

Rate of Customer Growth
Source: World Economic Forum – Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance

Rather than a sign of weakness, this slowdown indicates a market-wide shift in strategy.

Fintechs are now concentrating on deepening customer relationships and strengthening their value propositions rather than solely pursuing user numbers.

This strategic pivot is paying off. Despite slower user growth, the industry’s financial health remains robust. Average revenue growth stood at a strong 40% in 2023, with profit growth close behind at 39%.

Rate of Revenue Growth
Source: World Economic Forum – Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance

Digital banking and savings firms were standout performers, posting a remarkable 67% increase in revenue, underscoring the profound and lasting demand for digital financial services.

Partnership as the New Disruption

One of the report’s most telling findings is the deep integration between fintechs and incumbent financial institutions. An overwhelming 84% of surveyed fintech firms now partner with traditional players, signaling that the era of pure disruption is evolving into one of collaborative transformation.

The most common forms of partnership include:

• API Integrations (52%): Powering everything from seamless payment processing to cross-border remittances.
• Technology Alliances (41%): Highlighting a reliance on shared innovation and third-party solutions to drive operations.
• Funding Agreements (36%): Signifying the financial interdependence that underpins the modern financial ecosystem.

Type of Partnerships Source: World Economic Forum – Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance

This move towards partnership allows fintechs to achieve scale and access established infrastructure, while enabling traditional institutions to accelerate their own digital innovation.

AI and Technology

Technology, and particularly artificial intelligence, remains the primary catalyst for performance and innovation in fintech. According to the report, 80% of fintechs are actively implementing AI across their businesses, with customer service, process automation, and risk management being the leading applications.

Looking ahead, fintech leaders are betting big on AI, with 74% identifying it as the most critical area for development over the next five years. This is closely followed by ambitions for greater regional interoperability (53%) and the continued rise of embedded finance (52%). The data points to a future where AI is not just a tool for optimization but a core component in creating new revenue streams and highly personalized customer experiences.

A Strategic Outlook for a Maturing Industry

The WEF and CCAF report paints a clear picture of a fintech industry that is confidently moving into its next phase. The wild, early-days gold rush is being replaced by a more strategic and sustainable approach to building the future of finance.

As the lines between fintech and traditional finance continue to blur, the winners will be those who can successfully leverage technology, forge strategic partnerships, and deliver tangible, long-term value to their customers. In this new chapter, the defining challenge will not be simply to grow, but to master the complexities of an integrated, intelligent, and truly global financial ecosystem.