2026 FinTech Predictions: Insights from Mallory Beaudreau of Apptio, an IBM Company

We spoke with Mallory, RVP – Account Management, EMEA at Apptio, an IBM Company, about the transformative shifts coming to financial services in 2026.

As a leading provider of technology business management solutions, Apptio helps organisations optimise cloud usage and costs while driving strategic decision-making.

Mallory shares her perspective on how banks and fintechs must navigate the transition from AI experimentation to measurable value delivery.

Over to you Mallory - my questions are in bold:

What's the biggest shift you expect across financial services in 2026?

The biggest shift in 2026 will be the move from fragmented AI pilots to platform driven execution. Boards and executives, growing impatient, are now asking directly: what value are we actually getting?

That pressure is speeding the adoption of integrated, platformised approaches to AI. Banks are beginning to consolidate data, models, storage, SaaS tools and AI services into unified platforms rather than allowing teams to build in isolation. This matters because fragmented systems actively undermine ROI. When AI investments aren't coordinated, costs spiral and value becomes much harder to track.

Which emerging technology will have the most practical impact on banks and the FinTechs that support them?

Agentic AI will deliver the fastest and most tangible impact. Financial institutions are focusing on narrowly trained agents that handle specific operational tasks. These systems are grounded in trusted data which is easier to govern and deliver value faster. Banks are uniquely positioned to benefit here, as they often have rich datasets and operate in intensely competitive markets, so even small gains in efficiency or personalisation translate into advantage. Fintechs are also set to benefit, as agentic AI helps them use data more effectively, whether that's to offer more relevant financial guidance, faster support or proactive insights.

Beyond AI, quantum computing is the other technology banks are rightly intrigued by. We've seen this in action recently when IBM partnered with HSBC to explore the role of quantum computers in optimising bond trading. While the tech is still far from large-scale production use, its potential to transform portfolio optimisation, risk modelling and transaction processing is significant.

What customer behaviours or expectations will most challenge banks and financial service providers?

We're seeing a growing demand for hyper-personalised experiences, faster decision-making and seamless self-service, particularly through mobile channels rather than branches or call centres.

Robo-advisors have laid the groundwork for this shift by normalising algorithmic guidance. The next step is AI that not only recommends actions but helps execute them, with appropriate checks and authorisation.

That's where the challenge lies. Banks must bridge the gap between automation and accountability. Customers may welcome AI support, but they still expect clarity, control and the ability to intervene. Institutions that rush too far ahead without clear safeguards risk eroding consumer trust, while those that design human-in-the-loop experiences will be better positioned to meet rising expectations without increasing risk.

What risks or blind spots do you think the industry is underestimating as we move into 2026?

One blind spot is the growing tension between AI innovation and sustainability goals. High-performance AI is energy-intensive, and this directly conflicts with carbon reduction commitments. This tension hasn't been resolved, and banks that fail to address it may face regulatory pressure or reputational damage.

Secondly, consolidation across financial services introduces significant integration risk. Mergers and acquisitions, common in the sector, often create duplicate applications, fragmented data estates and cultural misalignment. These issues don't just complicate operations; they slow AI adoption, weaken governance and make it harder to demonstrate value from technology investments.

If you were advising a bank's leadership team today, what strategic priority should they focus on to stay competitive in 2026 and beyond?

The top priority should be establishing comprehensive AI governance that spans the entire organisation. That means clear rules around data access, model behaviour, explainability and auditability, alongside mechanisms to track both cost and value. As AI becomes embedded across operations, leaders need visibility into what systems are doing, who is using them and whether they're delivering measurable outcomes.

Sustainability must also move from aspiration to execution. Energy-efficient AI usage, responsible data-centre strategies and credible carbon reporting will increasingly shape regulatory relationships and competitive positioning, particularly for banks operating internationally.

Finally, leadership teams should prepare for continued market volatility and consolidation by strengthening integration and portfolio management capabilities. In an environment defined by short-term scrutiny, banks that can allocate resources effectively, retire low-value initiatives and scale what works will be the ones that stay competitive, not just in 2026, but well beyond.

Thank you Mallory! You can connect with Mallory on her LinkedIn Profile and find out more about the company at https://www.apptio.com/.