E D I T O R ’ S
Q U E S T I O N
E D I T O R ’ S
Q U E S T I O N
MICHAEL SEAMAN , CEO AND FOUNDER AT SWIPESUM
A s we look forward , 2025 is shaping up to be a game-changer in the world of FinTech .
One notable trend is the growth of embedded payments , which are turning software companies into full-fledged ‘ payments companies .’ Merchants are now handling transactions , reporting and support within their platforms , completely removing the middleman ( distributor banks , ISOs , etc .) This shift has been simmering for years , but now it ’ s at a rolling boil with new entrants
raising massive capital to snatch market share from Stripe and legacy players . At Swipesum , we see embedded payments as more than just an efficiency upgrade ; they ’ re reshaping commerce with seamlessly integrated , scalable , cost-effective solutions . SaaS platforms aren ’ t stopping with payments ; they ’ re embedding lending , insurance , banking and other financial tools , making financial services ubiquitous .
Another huge leap for 2025 ? Network tokens . By swapping out sensitive card data for dynamic tokens , merchants gain significant advantages . These tokens provide higher authorisation rates and real savings on interchange fees , which make up the lion ’ s share of merchant services fees . FinTechs are leading the charge by building this tech into mobile wallets , gateways and payments infrastructure . Network tokens boost approval rates with real-time updates , while Visa reports a fraud reduction of nearly 30 % and interchange cost cuts by up to 10 – 25 basis points in some regions . For merchants , it ’ s a nobrainer : ditch the outdated systems and embrace a more secure , efficient future .
Meanwhile , neobanks are shaking things up , especially among community banks and credit unions . Younger , tech-forward consumers and business owners just get digital banking with fewer fees and seamless UX . For old-school banks , closing another physical branch may feel like a dagger to the heart , but really – who needs it anymore ? Convenience and speed rule the day , and agile FinTechs offering bundled banking services have made traditional banks feel like relics . Adapt or become irrelevant ; it ’ s that simple .
And then , there ’ s decentralised finance ( DeFi ). Stripe ’ s recent US $ 1.1 billion acquisition of stablecoin platform Bridge signals that DeFi isn ’ t just a curiosity , it ’ s a force . Integrating stablecoin capabilities is set to streamline cross-border payments , and Stripe ’ s move likely hints at similar plays across the market . We can expect more strategic acquisitions as legacy players scramble to keep pace .
As always , the financial services sector is charging ahead : faster , smarter and more customer-centric than ever . At Swipesum , we ’ re not just keeping up ; we ’ re riding the wave . Working alongside FinTechs and merchants to deliver top-tier solutions at the lowest possible cost . We ’ re very aligned with FinTechs making waves as it prioritises the customer journey every step of the way .
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