Technology, new regulations, and rising customer expectations are reshaping how money moves. As we head toward 2026, Spenda have released ten trends that will play a big role in how companies manage, send, and get paid – making payments faster, smarter, and more connected than ever.

1. AP/AR automation is no longer optional 

Manual accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) processes are rapidly disappearing. Automation is now a must-have for efficiency, compliance, and resilience in a remote/hybrid work world.

• The global AP & AR automation market is projected to reach $2 trillion by 2033
• Automation reduces invoice processing time by over 60 per cent and improves cash flow visibility by more than 50 per cent
• 73 per cent of finance departments are using automation tools to streamline workflows

2. Embedded finance becomes business-as-usual

Embedded finance is now a multi-trillion-dollar global reality. By 2026, embedded financial services – including payments, lending, and banking – are projected to exceed $7 trillion in transaction value, more than doubling from 2021.

Expect to see more:

• In-app credit and extended trading terms for B2B buyers
• Integrated supplier payments and payroll
• Frictionless onboarding with KYC/AML checks built into the user flow

This shift is making financial services more accessible and seamless for businesses and their customers.

3. Virtual cards continue to expand in B2B

Virtual cards are rapidly moving from consumer to corporate use, and we expect this momentum to continue across 2026 and beyond.

• Digital payments now make up over 85% of B2B transactions in many advanced markets
• Virtual cards in B2B are growing at over 17 per cent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)
• Commercial card spend is projected to grow by 30 per cent between 2023 and 2028

Benefits include enhanced spend control, fraud protection, and streamlined reconciliation tied to card usage policies.

4. Real-time payments go mainstream

Real-time payments are now a global standard. In 2023, real-time payments accounted for 266 billion transactions worldwide, a 42 per cent year-on-year increase. By 2028, this figure is expected to surpass 25 per cent. Businesses can expect:

• Faster reconciliation and improved liquidity visibility
• Suppliers demanding instant settlement, often in exchange for early-payment discounts

5. There’s a greater focus on cash flow intelligence

Finance teams are moving beyond static balance tracking. Globally, AI-powered cash flow forecasting, scenario planning, and predictive analytics are now essential. This intelligence is crucial for navigating economic uncertainty and making smarter financial decisions.

• AI tools can reduce forecasting errors by up to 50 per cent
• Automated cash flow intelligence helps identify risks, optimise payment terms, and improve working capital
• Over 80 per cent of CFOs report that automating payment operations has reduced payment delays and improved overall cash flow