Navigate AI transformation, open finance, embedded payments and regulatory change with confidence in the year ahead.
UK fintech revenue is set to reach £34.7bn by 2025–26, with open banking already serving over 16 million users. By 2026, more than half of consumer financial transactions will be embedded in third-party platforms.
This isn’t hype. It’s proven infrastructure reshaping payments, platforms, and competitive advantage. The decisions businesses make now will compound over time - while waiting for certainty risks falling behind.
Download the whitepaper to see how UK businesses are preparing for the fintech landscape of 2026 and beyond.
“The differentiator is execution. Most businesses know what they should be doing. Far fewer actually do it consistently, measure results and iterate based on evidence. The businesses that master both strategy and execution will not only stand out - they'll lead.”
Andrew Firth | Managing Director, Ascensor
A clear framework for understanding the forces shaping fintech in 2026. Each section includes practical implications and strategic considerations you can apply to your own business.
The UK fintech landscape
Market size, growth trajectories and the shift from expansion to profitability. Regional dynamics beyond London. What the 37% surge in fintech hiring tells us about where the sector is heading.
AI transformation in financial services
The move from AI assistants to autonomous agentic systems. Governance frameworks and why data architecture determines AI capability.
Embedded finance comes of age
Banking-as-a-Service evolution and regulatory scrutiny. Why "if your BaaS provider fails an audit, so do you". Choosing partners with sustainable models and proper governance.
Real-time payments and instant settlement
Treasury implications when money moves in seconds. Account-to-account alternatives to card payments. Optimising processes built for a world of delays.
Cybersecurity and operational resilience
The Critical Third Parties regime and what it means for your suppliers. AI-powered threats and AI-powered defences. Board-level accountability for security outcomes.
Market consolidation and profitability
150 fintech acquisitions by traditional banks in the last decade. Monitoring the financial health of your fintech partners. Negotiating opportunities in a maturing market.
Case study spotlight
Radar Healthcare asked us to improve on-site performance and lead capture. We migrated analytics to GA4, streamlined CRM and marketing automation, and redesigned the Book a Demo page with clearer story flow, social proof and a sticky form. A month-long A/B test validated the new layout, which then rolled out to all users.
+571% conversion rate on the Book a Demo page.
+49.7% increase in overall on-site conversions.
Organic leads matched PPC for the first time
Optimise, test, convert - see what you can achieve
Keep up to date with everything thats going on in your world.
View all"Ascensor's hard work is making a noticeable impact, and I'm really excited about the positive direction we're heading in. A big thank you to the Ascensor team for making our digital journey smooth sailing.”
Laura Dyson
SEO and CRO specialist | Radar Healthcare
The fintech landscape is evolving rapidly. The whitepaper explores the developments your business should be planning for now, including:
Ready to navigate fintech maturity?
This whitepaper gives you a clear, practical view of where fintech is heading and what it means for your business. Whether you're evaluating payment options, considering embedded finance, or planning digital infrastructure investments, you'll have the insight to make confident decisions.
Understand the landscape. Identify your opportunities. Build capabilities that compound over time.
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