Fintech's Future: Merging Worlds and AI's Role

In 2026, the fintech world is expected to see big changes. Experts predict a lot of action in the areas of IPOs and mergers. They discussed this at a recent event focused on fintech trends. One major trend is the blending of decentralized finance (DeFi) and traditional finance (TradFi). This mix is becoming more common. A leader in the field noted that recent mergers show how these two worlds are connecting. The current rules and regulations seem to support this trend. Some believe the Trump administration has played a part in making this happen. Many companies are choosing to be bought instead of going public. For example, a crypto startup was recently acquired by a major credit card company. Investors are eager for ways to cash out. This could lead to more deals, but also more risks. Experts warn that predicting market trends is tough. Most teams can't see the future and build ahead of trends.Going public isn't the only path for companies. A CEO mentioned that only a small percentage of companies actually go public. He prefers focusing on growth through acquisitions. Speed and execution are key. Raising capital quickly can help companies deliver results faster. Artificial intelligence (AI) is also changing the fintech landscape. AI can help reduce paperwork and speed up processes. However, it's not a magic solution. AI has been used in finance for a while, even before it became trendy. Experts agree that AI will change how businesses operate, but it's not a quick fix. AI is evolving rapidly. Companies need to be careful about how they use it. Ignoring AI could mean falling behind. But AI is just a tool. It can help scale a business, but it can't replace a solid business plan.