At the event, we asked attendees to look ahead:
“If you had to bet on one payment trend for 2027, what would it be?”
The answers pointed to a future shaped by multiple forces — but with a few clear themes emerging.
One of the most frequently mentioned was stablecoins and crypto.
Despite cycles of hype and hesitation, digital assets continue to feature prominently in forward-looking conversations. For some, they represent the next evolution of payments — particularly in cross-border use cases where speed and efficiency remain key challenges.
Artificial intelligence was another consistent theme.
Attendees highlighted AI not just as a supporting technology, but as something that could fundamentally reshape the payments ecosystem. From automation to data interpretation, its potential impact is widely recognised. At the same time, there was a note of caution — particularly around compliance, governance, and ensuring that data is used and interpreted correctly.
Others focused on the continued rise of mobile wallets.
The idea of a single, centralised wallet — holding multiple payment methods, identity, and even loyalty perks — is gaining traction. As smartphones become the primary interface for financial interaction, wallets are increasingly seen as a key battleground for customer experience.
Cross-border payments also stood out as an area to watch.
As businesses and consumers operate more globally, the demand for faster, more efficient international transactions continues to grow. Improving this experience remains a major opportunity for the industry.
There were also more specific trends highlighted.
Payment authentication reflects the ongoing focus on security, particularly as fraud risks evolve. Meanwhile, newer wallet solutions — such as emerging regional players — suggest that innovation is happening at both global and local levels.
What emerges from these responses is not a single dominant trend, but a convergence of technologies and priorities.
AI, digital assets, wallets, and cross-border infrastructure are all moving forward at the same time. Each plays a role in shaping the future of payments — and their combined impact is likely to be greater than any one trend alone.
So what will define payments in 2027?
If the answers are anything to go by, the future won’t be driven by one idea — but by how these trends come together.
