36% of Global SMB Buyers Plan to Use FinTech Payment Providers

§ 01 Executive Snapshot

• What: 36% of globally active U.S. SMBs plan to use FinTech payment providers for cross-border transactions in 2026.
• Who: U.S. small and medium-sized businesses, FinTech payment providers, traditional banks, Mastercard.
• Why it matters: This trend indicates a significant shift in payment preferences, highlighting the growing importance of FinTechs in facilitating international transactions for SMBs while traditional banks remain relevant.

§ 02 Key Developments

• 36% of internationally active U.S. SMBs expect to use FinTechs or payment providers for cross-border purchases in 2026, up from 30% in 2025.
• 91% of SMBs using FinTechs for international payments rate their performance as good, the highest result among provider categories outside cryptocurrency-focused platforms.
• 29% expect to use accounting platforms with payment capabilities in 2026, up from 26% in 2025.

§ 03 Strategic Context

• Traditional banks still hold the largest position, with 64% of internationally active SMBs using them for cross-border supplier payments in 2025, and 69% expected to continue in 2026.
• The FinTech sector has gained traction by offering a package of services, including fast payments and foreign exchange tools, which enhances the SMB customer experience in international transactions.

§ 04 Strategic Implications

• Immediate consequence: The growing use of FinTechs indicates a shift in payment preferences, potentially increasing competition among payment providers.
• Long-term implication: Banks can adapt by enhancing digital interfaces and partnering with FinTechs, ensuring they remain integral to SMB financial operations while leveraging new technologies.

§ 05 Risks & Constraints

• Potential risk: Specialized money transfer operators are expected to see a decrease in usage, which may indicate market saturation or preference shifts.
• Potential risk: The increasing reliance on performance metrics could pressure providers to continually innovate and reduce transaction friction to attract SMBs.

§ 06 Watchlist / Forward Signals

• Forward signal 1: Monitor the projected increase of FinTech usage among SMBs in 2026 and whether it aligns with the estimated growth rates.
• Forward signal 2: The performance ratings of FinTechs relative to traditional banks and the impact of new entrants in the payment space will signal evolving market dynamics.