2026 FinTech Predictions: Insights from Marcus Treacher of RTGS.global

We spoke with Marcus Treacher, Executive Chair of RTGS.global, a fintech connecting financial institutions through one simple integration to transform cross-border payments. With extensive experience in the financial services technology ecosystem, Marcus shares his perspective on the major shifts, emerging technologies, and strategic priorities that will define the industry in 2026 and beyond.

Over to you Marcus - my questions are in bold:

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

The biggest shift that I am expecting to see next year will be the mainstreaming of digital assets. Blockchain technology and crypto assets have been steadily extending their reach throughout the industry for over a decade, initially with intense media hype which has now moved on to newer and 'shinier' technologies like AI. There is a feeling in the industry that this slow but relentless progress is about to reach its tipping point as regulation finally catches up through the Genius Act and stablecoin models really hit their stride. This ultimately will have a profound impact on how people, businesses and countries handle and exchange value worldwide.

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

Of all emerging technologies, the financial application of quantum mechanics will be particularly impactful over the next 3 to 5 years. Quantum Computing should revolutionise AI by providing almost unlimited computing power to these new models and create huge risks to privacy because of its ability to crack even the most extreme encryption methods in the world today. The antidote to this cyber risk lies also with Quantum Mechanics through Quantum Encryption which theoretically will create physically unbreakable encryption no matter how powerful the computer attacking a code gets.

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

The proliferation of AI for financial advice and provider selection will likely create a much more fickle and demanding customer base in a shift that will transform millions of customers from passive to pseudo-experts. This will tend to undermine trust between banks and customers, reduce stickiness of relationships and lead to greater risk taking. Banks that double down on person-to-person relationships and deep-trust, longer term engagement will be best placed to thrive in this environment.

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

Awareness, or lack thereof, of the tipping point is a significant risk as there are several major shifts at play, each nearing the stage where it potentially upends wide areas of the industry; blockchain, AI, quantum, Internet-of-Things, Internet-of-Value, proliferation of digital assets, to name a few. That being said, most financial services bodies work incrementally in an understandably risk-averse industry. This creates two risks: 1) that a country or group of countries moves too slowly to adapt to faster-moving technological innovation and stifles it or misses its risks; 2) that a country or countries completely miss a sea-change in part or all of the industry that leaves it sidelined with big impact to its citizens and competitiveness of its businesses.

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

Focus serious time on identifying and strategising for tipping points and spend less time worrying about incremental stuff which will chug away slowly. Keep a close eye out for the big waves that are heading towards your side, not the ripples at the front of your boat!

Thank you Marcus! You can connect with Marcus at his LinkedIn Profile and find out more about the company at RTGS.global.