The pace of the financial industry is unrivalled. The cross-border payments landscape is rapidly evolving and maturing as emerging technologies develop, new regulations come into play, fraud dominates, and global consumers demand instant payments. 

How is the industry responding to these changes, and what strategies are banking experts and leaders deploying to combat the onslaught of challenges as the future draws nearer? Sibos 2025 in Frankfurt will be a forum for conversation on the next steps for the financial sector, and how to conquer the next frontier of global finance. 

Executives today face increasing pressure to grow revenue and retain customers in a competitive marketplace. While many focus on traditional strategies, they often overlook a critical growth lever: underserved audiences. Flexible payment solutions provide a unique opportunity to tap into this high- potential segment, recovering declined transactions and building long-term loyalty. Flexible payments are not just a transactional tool—they are a growth strategy for merchants who want to unlock untapped potential and outperform the competition.

In Citizens’ fourth annual survey on payment trends, leaders at midsize businesses report an increased focus on fraud prevention and payment speed, among other key trends. Institutions, from businesses to governments, are marching slowly but surely toward an all-digital payment future—and many are adopting new technologies and tools, including AI and embedded finance APIs. Still, the old ways are hard to retire. And as every treasury leader knows, payment mix is also about meeting the preferences of contractors, vendors, and employees.

Capture early-bird discount holiday shoppers jumpstarting holiday shopping and the growing population looking to spread out payments via BNPL and other alternative payment methods. Now is the time to implement effective strategies before the months of holiday spending ahead.

Account-to-account (A2A) payments have gained significant momentum over the past several years, taking centre stage in many discussions and developments in the fintech industry. While adoption surges in some regions, others face challenges around fraud, UX, interoperability, and trust.

This report brings together industry thought leaders, innovators, merchants, and ecosystem enablers to offer a diverse and deeply informed look into the state of A2A payments in 2025 and beyond. It features expert analysis and up-to-date information to help you discover where the A2A payments space is heading and what will happen next.

The world of shopping has changed — and all because of your phone. Our study of 18,468 consumers and 3,464 businesses across eight markets reveals that nearly half of consumers across the globe used a smartphone in their most recent retail purchase. The “ 2025 Global Digital Shopping Index ,” a PYMNTS Intelligence report commissioned by Visa Acceptance Solutions, details the rise of the mobile-first shopper. Read your copy today.

Today’s online shopper holds the reins, and for ecommerce retailers, there’s no standing still. Shoppers are demanding more of ecommerce retailers and expect an online shopping experience that’s more personalized, with options and suggestions, including for payments. And payment methods such as buy now, pay later (BNPL) and social commerce checkout help merchants to sell more and customers to buy more.

Asia has emerged as a powerful growth engine in the retail industry, maintaining an active global economy. With a burgeoning middle class, rising digital adoption, and strong demand for cross-border products, the region is poised to play an increasingly central role as commerce evolves. For U.S.-based retailers—especially small and midsize enterprises—this presents a critical opportunity. But tapping into it requires more than translating a website or expanding shipping zones. To succeed, merchants must meet customers where it matters most: the point of payment.