The next phase of payments competition is taking shape as AI discoverability, sports partnerships, Gen Alpha acquisition, buy now, pay later (BNPL) demand, and digital asset rails open new growth paths—and introduce new challenges. This report will explore how these trends will shake out in H2 2026.

Key Question: What trends will affect payment providers’ product and marketing strategies in H2 2026?

Key Stat: About 23% of kids ages 13 to 14 have used a digital wallet, per a May 2026 PwC survey, allowing payment providers an opportunity to secure brand loyalty long before they hit traditional banking milestones.