The way money moves around the world is changing fast, and not in the direction most people expected. For years, the assumption was that payments would become more unified, more standardised, more global. One system to rule them all.

That’s not what’s happening.

According to McKinsey’s 2025 Global Payments Report*, we’re heading toward a fragmented future where different regions, rails and technologies compete for dominance. At Moneygate, we think this is actually an opportunity, not a problem. Here’s why.

The money machine is slowing down

The payments industry remains profitable, but growth rates are dropping. After strong expansion in previous years, things cooled off in 2024.

The reasons? Central banks stopped raising interest rates. Customers started choosing cheaper payment options. Fees are being scrutinised more aggressively. Companies relying on interest income or interchange fees are feeling the squeeze.

The big shifts happening right now

The world is building payment walls

Countries are deliberately moving away from global payment systems. For example, Europe is promoting regional payment sovereignty with Continent-focused systems. India’s instant-payment platform is spreading across neighbouring regions. Latin American countries are linking their domestic networks.

For businesses operating across borders, the message is clear: you can’t rely on a single payment method anymore. You need to navigate multiple systems, each with its own rules and requirements.

Two possible futures emerge from McKinsey’s research:

  • Scenario one: Multiple payment systems that can still interoperate. Think different keys that all work in the same lock.
  • Scenario two: Truly siloed regional systems where international payments become harder, more expensive, and require alternative workarounds.

Either way, the unified global system doesn’t seem to be coming back.

AI is taking over (in a good way)

Artificial intelligence is moving beyond fraud detection into autonomous decision-making. Research shows a significant portion of consumers already use AI to start their shopping journey, and many would trust AI to make purchases on their behalf.

This creates a completely new dynamic. Instead of you choosing how to pay, an AI agent analyses the transaction and picks the optimal method based on cost, speed, security and rewards. Major payment companies are already launching solutions for agentic checkout and tokenised payment credentials, often partnering with AI-native technology companies.

What this means for your business

If you’re moving money internationally, these trends affect you directly:

  • Flexibility is essential. You can’t assume the payment method that works in one country will work in another.
  • Automation saves time and money. The complexity of navigating multiple payment rails is only increasing.
  • Speed is expected. Instant payment systems are becoming the norm, and customers expect real-time settlement.

Moneygate’s perspective

At Moneygate, we’ve built our business around making cross-border payments simpler, faster and more efficient. Everything in McKinsey’s research reinforces why that mission matters.

The fragmentation creates complexity, but complexity creates opportunity for companies that can navigate it on behalf of clients. You shouldn’t need to become an expert in international payment rails or regional regulatory requirements. That’s our job.

The rise of instant payment systems gives us more tools to move money quickly and affordably. AI-powered payment routing and AML monitoring optimisation is rapidly approaching. This technology will transform how we handle transactions, enabling intelligent, real-time decisions about which payment rail to use while simultaneously strengthening compliance and fraud detection.

At Moneygate, we’re already looking towards the future to harness these capabilities, ensuring we’re ready to deliver faster, safer and smarter payment solutions as these systems mature.

Here’s what we believe: The future of payments isn’t about one global system. It’s about intelligent infrastructure that connects many systems seamlessly, choosing the optimal path for each transaction. The landscape has changed, and it’s going to keep changing.

Want to discuss how Moneygate can serve your business? Get in touch with the Moneygate team at [email protected] or visit moneygate.com. We’re here to help you navigate the new world of payments.

* Source: McKinsey & Company, “The 2025 McKinsey Global Payments Report: Competing Systems, Contested Outcomes”, September 2025