Global Scans · Financial Services · Weekly Summary

• [New] In 2026, digital identity wallets and verified digital credentials will help people prove who they are more quickly and securely - whether accessing financial services, confirming age or conducting higher-value transactions - while also helping platforms verify who they are dealing with. Financial IT
• [New] Fraud and financial crime will continue to evolve as digital services expand and businesses that invest in intelligence-led, multi-layered strategies will be better placed to protect customers, reduce exposure and maintain trust as they move through 2026. FinExtra
• [New] By reclassifying cryptocurrencies as financial products under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) is aligning crypto with traditional assets like stocks and bonds, while introducing safeguards that mitigate risks and foster institutional confidence. Ainvest
• [New] Predictions for EU's Digital Operational Resilience Act As we look ahead to 2026, the European Union's Digital Operational Resilience Act will fundamentally reshape how financial services firms think about operational risk. Gresham
• [New] UKPI is backed by 31 payment and financial services firms, with first live commercial VRP payments expected in Q1 2026. Finexer Open Banking Blogs
• [New] Saudi Arabia's FinTech sector is undergoing rapid transformation, fueled by Vision 2030's ambitious digital economy goals, strong regulatory support, and a booming demand for digital financial services. SDK.finance - White-Label Digital Banking Software
• [New] In 2026 and beyond, the Canadian financial services industry will need to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape marked by intensified enforcement, evolving compliance requirements and the integration of new technologies. Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
• [New] 2026 will see increased compliance and enforcement in Canada's financial services, focusing on anti-money laundering measures and new regulations. Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
• [New] The mobile wallet industry is projected to experience explosive growth through 2026 and beyond, driven by increasing smartphone adoption, digital payment penetration, and consumer demand for convenient financial services. NASSCOM | The Official Community of Indian IT Industry
• [New] By 2026, investment in AI by financial services companies is expected to reach record levels, moving from experimental use cases to mission-critical production implementations. Rootstack
• [New] AI Safety and Hallucinations: As Meta integrates AI agents into transactional services (like WhatsApp shopping), the legal liability of an AI agent making a mistake (e.g., booking the wrong flight or providing incorrect financial advice) remains an unresolved risk. FinancialContent
• [New] The biggest shift in 2026 will be a re-balancing of the financial services model away from growth at any cost and back towards trust, resilience and credibility. FinTech Profile
• [New] In 2026 is going to accelerate the usage of AI for nefarious purposes, and the financial services industry is going to have to ramp up its adoption and use cases at unprecedented levels to not fall further behind in the financial crime battle. FinTech Profile
• [New] By 2026, over half of under-50 consumers seeking financial advice will turn to Gen AI tools like ChatGPT, forcing banks to experiment with AI-driven advisory services within strict risk limits. Vega IT
• [New] The financial services sector in Asia is yielding promising opportunities, particularly in China where regulatory reforms and restructurings are spurring dealmaking. Ainvest
• [New] Growth is projected to accelerate to 5.0% in 2026, driven by stronger hydrocarbon output and continued expansion in key non-hydrocarbon sectors, including tourism, construction, and financial services, supported by large infrastructure investment. TRENDS Mena
• [New] AI will be embedded in nearly every stage of procurement by 2026, helping public sector leaders deliver reliable services, maintain compliance, and maximize social and financial value. JAGGAER
• [New] The New York State Department of Financial Services remains one of the most assertive cybersecurity regulators, and 2026 will continue its expansion of enforcement under the amended Cybersecurity Regulation. Morrison Foerster
• [New] In 2026, digital assets will become core to financial services. Baringa
• [New] In 2026, resilience in financial services will shift from reactive recovery to proactive anticipation. Baringa
• [New] As we approach 2026, financial services organizations must adapt to a dynamic environment where digital assets, advanced technology like artificial intelligence and global collaboration are reshaping the fight against financial crime. Baker Tilly
• [New] Facial recognition is set to capture a 38.5% share by 2035, impelled by advancements in deep learning and artificial intelligence that enhance accuracy and reliability across diverse applications such as e-governance and financial services. Research Nester

Last updated: 12 January 2026