As banking shifts toward ecosystem-centric operating models, institutions are increasingly expected to act as orchestrators-dynamically assembling products, journeys, intelligence, and partners into coherent, scalable experiences. 2026 marks a clear inflection point. Banks that move decisively will not simply participate in ecosystems; they will shape them, securing disproportionate control over customer ownership, distribution leverage, and value creation across the remainder of the decade. From our work with banks globally, five business and strategic goalposts stand out as critical to benchmark and actively pursue as you plan for 2026 and beyond.
Embedded Banking in Action
The banking industry is evolving from purpose-built, digital-first business models into platform-based, ecosystem-led ones. Beyond the progress in embedded payments; in 2026 and beyond, the industry will continue expansion focus to embed lending, deposits, as well as SME business and corporate banking products within customer journeys.
Resilience by Design
Central Banks everywhere are strengthening operational resilience mandates. A 4P framework – Prevent, Prepare (for), Pay Attention (to) and Preside Over – will enable banks in every jurisdiction comply with all the digital operational resilience regulations that apply to them. In 2026, more financial institutions will adopt this framework to build resilience across the Infrastructure, Information Security and Application landscape.
Next-Gen Customer Engagement
Three sub-trends are playing out is sha[ong the next generation of customer engagements. First, product managers are configuring products and co-creating them with partners and customers. In 2026, offerings will adapt along and in-line with customer needs. Next, AI technologies will elevate banking interactions into context-aware, goal-oriented experiences. Third, banks will capitalize on composable UI/UX, so they can build and deploy new experiences across channels without rebuilding everything.
Security as a Trust Engine
Amid rising cybersecurity security threats, banks will explore upgrading to 2048-bit encryption, because 512 (-bit encryption) is no longer unbreakable. They will also continue monitoring Post Quantum Cryptography, currently being adopted by select banks. Banks that can afford an AI-enabled programmable security platform will benefit from adaptive, autonomous and self-learning cybersecurity. Financial institutions will prepare to defend against complex, hard-to-detect threats, such as social engineering, and to face pressure from end-users and regulators demanding better protection.
Sustainability built into Operations
Banks will need to demonstrate ESG commitment by producing measurable outcomes. Accordingly, we expect them to bridge the gaps in traditional green finance by offering fit-for-purpose financing models – such as blended finance frameworks and transition-linked loans – matching the scale and complexity of decarbonization and energy transition projects. We also expect banks to leverage Responsible AI to operationalize sustainability in banking. Facing stronger regulatory mandates, banks will also likely set up better data infrastructures, multi-layer verification, and auditable data flows to infuse sustainability into every area.
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