Focusing on the positive, here are predictions by a fintech firm for the AI and fintech industries in 2025
What fintech developments can the world expect this year? According to key management members of fintech firm Airwallex, the following trends are worth monitoring.
In cryptocurrency, Jack Zhang, co-founder and CEO, is expecting challenges such as price volatility and regulatory hurdles will persist. However, stablecoins have potential for compliant global transactions. As a highly regulated player, his firm will be focusing on addressing global anti money-laundering standards.
On the technology front, Zhang is betting on generative AI is transforming operations ranging from Know Your Customer compliance to customer support. Overall, his radar screen will be focused on geopolitical shifts, regulatory innovation, and AI-driven efficiency that are expected to shape e-commerce and payment trends at a global scale, creating opportunities for fintechs to drive a more interconnected and advanced global financial infrastructure. Other management team members predict trends in their area of specialty as follows.
The fintech sector has been transforming how businesses and consumers interact with financial tools. Yet, its potential is far from being fully realized. Going forward, fintech evolution is set to redefine competition among businesses, with embedded finance and Banking-as-a-Service platforms enabling modern organizations to unlock new revenue streams, foster seamless integration within supply chains, and scale globally without having to navigate the complexities of local financial systems. In 2025 we can also expect to see consolidation in the industry. The strongest players — those with robust product-market fit and operational efficiency — are set to lead. — Lucy Liu, President and co-founder
With the strong growth ambitions of players in e-commerce, travel, cross-border trade and startup funding in APAC, we are optimistic about the wealth of opportunities and momentum in the region. As businesses seek to operate more efficiently and with resilience, technology and innovation will play a crucial role. Organizations will need to adopt embedded finance and API-based solutions that simplify global business. We expect more businesses will use AI-powered fintech solutions and invest in talent management to address business needs and capture the growth momentum. — Arnold Chan, General Manager
With approximately half of the global payments industry revenue pool stemming from commercial transactions in each region, we see distinct nuances shaped by local market dynamics. In the Asia Pacific region, there will be substantial potential for advancing digital payments. In Europe, the Middle East and Africa, fintech innovation will continue to thrive, while the Americas are expected to experience rapid growth in the embedded finance sector. — Kai Wu, Chief Revenue Officer — Kai Wu, Chief Revenue Officer
There is a growing feeling of optimism as AI continues to transform the way we work, even amid increased competition and a challenging macro-economic climate this year. By leveraging AI to automate manual tasks and free up valuable time, leaders can empower their teams to focus on critical thinking and culture-building initiatives. Those who prioritize meaningful connections with employees will stand out in the talent market, with their strong collaborative cultures as a differentiator. Ultimately, leaders who get this balance right will recruit and retain high-performing teams who unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.— Richard Yan, VP, People & Talent
Malaysia’s B2B fintech sector is primed for growth in 2025, driven by global trade, cost efficiency, and AI integration. Small- and medium-sized Enterprises will be leveraging fintech for seamless cross-border payments, operational efficiency, and data-driven insights. AI is also becoming a key enabler in the country, with more firms adopting it across their operations and customer-facing services to address challenges specific to their industry. With these advancements, Malaysia is poised to become a regional leader in B2B fintech. — Aren Yip, Country Manager, Malaysia
