The future of embedded finance

What it means for embedded financing and embedded financial technologies

December 08, 2025

Key takeaways

  • Embedded finance shifts financial services from standalone products to integrated experiences, meeting customers at their point of need and simplifying access to payments, lending and more within everyday platforms.
  • Industries such as retail, healthcare and mobility are leading the charge, embedding flexible payment options, financing and subscriptions to enhance user experiences, drive loyalty and improve operational efficiency.
  • Success in embedded finance requires a focus on governance, compliance and user-centric design, ensuring secure, personalized and scalable offerings that adapt to evolving market demands and regulatory landscapes.

Once a buzzword, embedded finance is now a strategic necessity. As nonfinancial brands embed financial products into their ecosystems, and banks and fintechs adopt embedded financial technologies, the industry landscape continues to shift.

Today, embedded financing isn’t just about adding payments: It’s about creating integrated financial experiences that build loyalty, unlock new revenue streams and meet modern consumer expectations.

What is embedded finance?

Embedded finance integrates financial services, such as payments, lending, insurance or deposits, directly into nonfinancial platforms. Instead of visiting a bank or fintech, customers can access financial services where they already are and receive credit while purchasing an item.

Embedded financing applies this concept within a business model, offering financing or credit embedded in another service.

Learn more about the benefits of embedded finance in this video featuring Mike Kresse, SVP and division executive at FIS®.

How is embedded financing evolving in the current landscape?

The embedded financing market is accelerating, with global revenue projected to reach hundreds of billions by the end of 2025, up sharply from 2023. Momentum is driven by embedded lending, subscription-based models and deeper cross-industry partnerships.

Emerging trends in embedded finance:

  • Embedded lending expansion: Advanced data analytics now empower smarter, faster credit decisions across an expanding array of purchase scenarios.
  • Subscription-based models: Flexible monthly payment solutions provide tailored experiences that foster loyalty and deliver consistent, recurring income.
  • Cross-industry partnerships: Collaborative partnerships between banks and nonfinancial brands are advancing integration and opportunities within financial ecosystems.

What embedded finance technologies are driving change now?

The rise of embedded finance is fueled by technologies that simplify access to financial services.

APIs and microservices connect financial institutions with nonfinancial platforms, enabling smoother transactions. Real-time analytics enhance decision-making and personalization, while modular finance stacks let businesses add new capabilities without major overhauls.

Embedded wallets bring payments and account management directly into digital experiences, and regtech tools help ensure every interaction remains compliance and secure.

Together, these technologies are redefining how and where financial services live, moving them from standalone products to integrated experiences that meet customers where they already are.

Which industries are leading with embedded finance solutions?

Industries including retail, e-commerce, mobility, software-as-a-service, healthcare and utilities are integrating financial services directly into their user experiences. Marketplaces are following suit by integrating payments, lending and insurance services for both buyers and sellers.

Ways industries are adopting embedded finance:

  • In-store financing: Instant point-of-sale financing and flexible payment options provide customers with easier access while driving higher sales and smoother checkout experiences.
  • Online payments: Integrated buy now, pay later options at checkout help reduce card abandonment and increase average order values.
  • Integrated mobility: Payment integration for ridesharing, rentals and public transit is now embedded directly into consumer travel apps for simplicity.
  • Integrated subscriptions: Payment processing and financial management tools within software platforms drive higher user retention and enable new revenue.
  • Patient-friendly payments: Payment flexibility in healthcare is achieved by embedding financing options in billing portals, enhancing affordability and increasing collection rates.
  • Seamless bill-pay: Flexible payment plans and auto-pay options are integrated into utility portals, improving on-time payments and customer satisfaction.

What are the strategic benefits of embedded finance for brands, banks and fintechs?

Bringing financial capabilities directly to the point of need is reshaping the strategies of brands, banks and fintechs.

For brands, embedding financial services such as payments, lending or insurance directly into their customer experience increases engagement, loyalty and conversion while enabling data-driven personalization.

Banks benefit from extended reach through digital partnerships that bring their services to new audiences without building costly front-end channels.

Fintechs gain scale and speed to market by powering these embedded experiences with modular APIs and compliant infrastructure.

By meeting customers where they already are within digital marketplaces, apps and service applications, embedded finance transforms routine transactions into opportunities for value creation – driving sustained growth and more integrated financial experiences.

Strategic benefits of embedded finance:

  • Revenue opportunities:By integrating payments and lending, brands can transform everyday interactions into revenue-generating
  • Market expansion: Banks can reach new audiences through embedded finance, offering services seamlessly within digital platforms and extending beyond traditional channels.
  • Scaled infrastructure With modular infrastructure offerings, fintechs empower partners to innovate faster, streamline deployment and deliver seamless financial experiences at scale..

Which regulatory and risk factors are critical for embedded finance?

Successfully implementing embedded finance requires careful attention to regulatory and risk considerations . Organizations must comply with know your customer, anti-money laundering and licensing requirements, which often differ across regions.

Data privacy and protection are crucial, as integrating financial services into nonfinancial platforms increases exposure to sensitive customer information.

Effective fraud prevention and transaction monitoring help mitigate financial and reputational risks. Transparency in fees, terms and responsibilities also fosters trust among partners and end-users.

Equally important are sound governance structures and clear liability frameworks, which ensure accountability when financial and nonfinancial entities collaborate.

By proactively addressing these areas, organizations can deliver more seamless, secure embedded finance experiences that protect customers, satisfy regulators and build long-term trust across stakeholders.

What strategies help organizations implement embedded finance for long-term success?

Organizations can implement embedded finance in a future-ready way by designing offerings around customer needs, selecting the right partner models and applying modular technologies.

Early attention to governance, data strategies and personalization helps ensure compliance and engaging experiences. Continuous performance measurement also allows organizations to optimize outcomes and adapt as markets evolve.

Implementation steps to follow:

  1. Identify and map end-to-end customer journeys to pinpoint where embedded finance can create value and enhance engagement.
  2. Determine the optimal partner model by evaluating capabilities, integration needs and risk to support long-term scalability.
  3. Implement modular technologies that allow flexible deployment, simple updates and rapid adaptation to evolving business requirements.
  4. Collect and analyze customer data to deliver personalized financial experiences while maintaining privacy and regulatory compliance.
  5. Monitor performance metrics continuously to optimize adoption, engagement and overall outcomes for long-term embedded finance success.

What do the next 3-5 years hold for embedded finance and embedded finance technologies?

Over the next three to five years, widespread adoption of banking-as-a-service platforms will make it easier for companies to integrate financial functionality directly into their offerings.

Customers will increasingly experience personalized finance at the point of need with solutions tailored to specific industries and verticals. Ecosystems of partners, platforms and fintechs will expand, creating more interconnected and seamless experiences.

Regulatory frameworks will continue to evolve, guiding safer innovation while encouraging transparency and compliance.

Embedded finance will also play a growing role in advancing sustainability and financial inclusion , enabling businesses to deliver socially responsible products and reach underserved communities.

What are the takeaways for businesses adopting embedded finance?

Embedded finance is no longer optional: It’s foundational for modern business models.

By embedding financial services into everyday platforms, brands and financial institutions can unlock new value and meet evolving consumer expectations.

Success depends on seamlessly integrating embedded finance with leading-edge technologies, sound governance and a strong focus on user experience.

Explore how FIS Banking as a Service powers embedded financial experiences

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