Finextra & Visa Direct release new survey report on the global state of commercial banking

Today, commercial banks are navigating a period of meaningful change. Businesses expect payments to be faster, more transparent, and better integrated into their operations. Banks must manage these expectations alongside regulatory obligations, security requirements, and the realities of long-established infrastructure. These pressures are not confined to any single region or market. They are global, systemic, and often overlapping.

The research, based on a survey of 520 global commercial banking leaders, revealed real-world insights designed to help commercial banks navigate today’s challenges and make strategic decisions around investment, collaboration, and innovation that will define success in the years to come:

Clients are reallocating 11-50% of payments on average: Faster payments, better treasury and ERP integration, and access to alternative rails are the primary drivers, signalling a move towards a banking model where capability determines client wallet share.

Payment speed is now a baseline expectation: 95% report current payment rail speeds as negatively impacting client operations or satisfaction. While the impact is most severe in APAC, LAC, and MEA, material impacts are felt across all regions, accelerating the need for modernised cross-border infrastructure.

Fintech pressure is driving collaboration: With more than four out of ten commercial clients able to access faster alternatives, and 98% of commercial banks reporting pressure from the rise of fintechs, 70% view fintech partnerships as a way to accelerate innovation and improve speed and transparency.

Cross-border modernisation and digital assets are rising priorities: Only 2% of banks believe their current cross-border capabilities are sufficient, with nearly all planning investment over the next five years. Stablecoins and tokenised assets are gaining traction for faster settlement, lower cost, and 24/7/365 availability.

Gary Wright, managing director, Finextra Research commented: “Our survey findings reflect an industry in motion. Commercial banks are adapting to faster payments becoming standard, clients selecting providers by specific use case, and new technologies moving into strategic focus. At the same time, the enduring strengths of commercial banks, particularly their role as trusted institutions operating at scale with accountability, are highlighted. We are delighted to share these insights alongside our sponsor, Visa Direct, to help our global members navigate this important period of transition in commercial banking.”

_The full report, including region specific takeaways and actionable recommendations, is available to download here.  _