AI adoption in payments hits 96% but faces scaling hurdles in 2026

AI adoption in payments firms has surged in the past year. Nearly all companies in the sector now use the technology in some form, marking a shift from prediction to widespread reality. Yet significant barriers still slow full-scale implementation. In 2026, 96% of payments firms reported using AI, up from 89% the previous year. Around 30% of these companies have rolled out AI widely across financial operations, compared to 22% in 2025.

Despite the growth, challenges persist. Half of the firms cite high implementation costs as a major obstacle. Meanwhile, 46% struggle with integrating legacy systems. Data security and regulatory risks worry 61% of businesses the most.

Fragmented financial infrastructure remains a core issue. Disconnected data systems and outdated technology limit returns on investment and raise operational risks. Legacy systems are the primary cause of data fragmentation in payments operations. AI is now nearly universal in payments, but hurdles remain. Costs, legacy system integration, and compliance concerns continue to hinder full scaling. These issues prevent firms from maximising efficiency and reducing risk.