Global Payments Growth Slows to 5% as Investors Demand Proof of…

Event summary

Global payments revenue expected to grow at 5% annually through 2030, down from 7% over the past five years.
Sector trades 25% below 10-year average valuations, with a $500 billion gap to close.
Growth diverging sharply by region, with Middle East, Africa, and Latin America expanding faster than North America and Europe.
AI strengthening position of leading payments companies, making it harder for slower-moving competitors to catch up.
Governments worldwide fragmenting global payment networks into domestic and regional systems.

The big picture

The global payments industry is experiencing a historic reset in investor sentiment, with growth slowing and shifting to specific regions. The sector is trading well below historic valuation levels, and the fragmentation of global payment networks by governments is reshaping the industry. AI is strengthening the position of leading payments companies, making it structurally harder for slower-moving competitors to close the distance.

What we're watching

Regional Growth Dynamics: Whether payments companies can pivot to faster-growing regions like the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America to offset slower growth in North America and Europe.
AI Competitive Advantage: How leading payments companies will leverage AI to maintain their position and whether slower-moving competitors can catch up.
Government Regulation: The pace at which governments will continue to fragment global payment networks and the impact on cross-border transactions.