Global Payments | 2026 Trends Report Reveals Shifting Payment Landscape
Edited By
Raj Patel
In an age of rapid change, payments innovation is taking center stage. A recent report by Global Payments highlights emerging trends driven by technology and consumer preferences. Key findings show a significant shift toward agentic commerce and embedded payment solutions, raising questions about the future of fintech.
Major Findings in Technology and Payment Trends
This 50-page report, gathered from expert interviews and a global survey of 600 decision-makers from July to August 2025, underscores how various payment innovations are supporting each other. Here are six trends shaping the industry:
Agentic Commerce: AI shopping agents are shifting from search and recommendation to actual purchasing. The report found that 15% of businesses are "very familiar" and 72% are "somewhat familiar" with this concept. "AI may increasingly decide what to buy, when to buy, and how to complete payment,” the report states.
POS Everywhere: Payment acceptance is expanding beyond fixed checkout counters. Over 85% of midsized retailers are now utilizing mobile POS solutions across various sectors, including healthcare and transportation.
Embedded Finance: Financial tools integrated directly into commerce flows are now commonplace. The emphasis on AI facilitates real-time credit assessments and fraud detection, making transactions smoother for consumers.
Instant Payments: A staggering 72% of instant payments are already being rolled out for consumer purchases and refunds. Benefits include speed, reduced costs, and better cash flow, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.
Stablecoins: Notably relevant to the crypto community, this section discusses the move of stablecoins into mainstream business practices. 73% of enterprises and 82% of small businesses show interest in utilizing stablecoins primarily to lower transaction fees.
Self-Service Payments: Kiosks and self-service options are emerging as standard conveniences across multiple settings, enhancing transaction sizes and operational data.
Implications for Blockchain and AI
Interestingly, while the report doesn't mention specific blockchain technologies, it aligns well with solutions like Hedera aiming to solve pertinent challenges in the payment landscape. It suggests a growing nexus between payment processing and advanced blockchain applications.
"Global Payments frames AI agents as shifting into actual purchases," indicating a critical juncture for tech collaboration.
Themes from User Responses
Mailing lists and forums have recognized several critical themes from the report:
The essential overlap between agentic commerce and AI infrastructure.
Concerns about incumbents racing to develop similar technologies without public DLT involvement.
A rising need for secure, verifiable execution in automated payments, enhancing consumer trust.
"Commerce is becoming agentic and programmable." - User analysis highlights the clear movement toward automation.
Key Takeaways
⚡ 85% of midsized retailers are utilizing mobile POS systems.
💼 73% of enterprises are exploring stablecoins to cut transaction costs.
📈 AI is central to the shift towards agentic commerce and embedded finance.
With these shifts in consumer payment preferences, what will be the long-term impact on traditional banking institutions and how they adapt to new technologies? The race is on, and the stakes are high.
The Road Ahead for Payments Innovation
Expect significant developments in the payments landscape over the next few years. There's a strong chance that agentic commerce will continue to gain traction, with experts estimating about 60% of retail transactions may involve AI-driven purchasing by 2028. As businesses adopt mobile POS solutions, traditional banking institutions will likely respond by enhancing their digital offerings. Instant payments could become the standard, as 85% of businesses might prioritize speed and efficiency. Moreover, stablecoins may pave the way for lower costs and increased adoption, with predictions that 75% of enterprises will integrate them into their payment systems by 2030. These shifts signal a clear transition towards an economy that embraces both technological efficiency and consumer demands for simplified transactions.
Lessons from Unexpected Trade Routes
Reflecting on history, consider how the Age of Exploration transformed trade networks unlike any other period. Merchants once relied on cumbersome land routes and dangerous sea voyages, but the advent of new maritime technologies opened up quicker, safer paths for commerce. As payment processes evolve, we stand at a similar crossroads. Just as explorers capitalized on newfound routes to redefine trade, today's tech innovators are reshaping financial interactions through agentic commerce and automated solutions. This once-unimaginable terrain is now a reality, revealing that each major shift in commerce often mirrors past movements inspired by innovation and necessity.