AI trend: Christine Foster, General Manager GenAI CoE of Expertise
“AI will become part of everyday business operations rather than isolated projects, and organisations will need to focus on clear objectives to make adoption successful.
Alongside training and responsible implementation, businesses will start evolving their measurement frameworks. Businesses must begin evaluating AI with the same rigour, clarity, and discipline applied to any major strategic initiative. This means measuring AI’s impact based on tangible outcomes such as revenue growth, customer retention, and operational efficiency.
Real-time data and flexible infrastructure will also be essential for scaling effectively. Companies that combine these foundations with strong governance will be best placed to turn AI’s potential into long-term value.”
SME trend: David Gallihawk, Chief Product Officer of Business Information at Experian
“Currently, rapid advances in analytics and AI, combined with the wider adoption of embedded finance, are reshaping the financial landscape and posing new challenges for smaller firms.
In this environment, the importance of real-time financial insight will continue to grow. SMEs will need ensure a clear and consistent view of their cashflow, payment behaviour and recent trading activity. In addition, the industry will need to ensure clearer data practices and more transparent information flows to help businesses access finance confidently and on fair terms.”
Fraud trend: Grant MacDonald, Director of Financial Crime at Experian
“Fraud detection is evolving from after-the-fact analysis to real-time prevention.
In 2026, forensic analytics will operate at the speed of money, analysing transactions as they occur and intercepting suspicious activity before funds leave accounts. AI-driven behavioural profiling will underpin this shift, turning forensics into a live, continuously learning defence layer. Institutions that embrace this approach will be best placed to identify fraud rings as they move across banks, PSPs, and merchants, and stop scams before they succeed.”
Data & Platform trend: Laurie Schnidman, Chief Product Officer of Platforms & Software at Experian
“The demand for integrated platforms will continue to grow as businesses look to simplify complexity and build trust in their data.
We expect to see a strong focus on platforms that combine high-quality data with advanced analytics and AI-driven technology. This will enable businesses to turn data into intelligence, streamline operations, and make faster, more confident decisions. Ultimately, success will come from investing in solutions that deliver flexibility and trust while supporting long-term growth.”
Consumer trend: Neil Shaw Chief Technology Officer of Experian Consumer Services
“2026 will be an important year for financial inclusion for UK consumers, driven by a convergence of a tough economic backdrop and the advancement of key technologies. As households navigate increasing cost-of-living pressures and tighter credit conditions, AI (and AI agents) will play a crucial role in supporting consumers with management of their financial health, and widening access to financial products and guidance; while Open Banking will help lenders to fine-tune their affordability assessments and offer more personalised products to meet consumers’ specific needs.
Innovative products such as ReFi from Experian will help millions of consumers make smart money moves and ease some of the pressure on squeezed household budgets. The promise of AI and Open Banking has not really materialised for most people yet; 2026 is shaping up to be a turning point in these technologies creating a fairer, more transparent financial ecosystem for all.”
Technology and data trend: Jonathan Westley, Chief Data Officer of Experian UK&I and EMEA
“2026 will mark the shift from discussion to real implementation of AI in financial services. AI has been evolving for years by building capabilities and demonstrating its potential. Now, it’s ready for scaled deployment.
Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation will work together to deliver predictive insights, real-time fraud detection, and hyper-personalised experiences. And success will hinge on two key factors: strong partnerships to create connected ecosystems that accelerate innovation, and uncompromising data quality and governance to build trust.”
Data trend: Andrew Abraham, Global Managing Director of Data Quality Experian
“Trust and data integrity will rise as stand-out differentiators.
As consumers and regulators place greater emphasis on transparency and ethical practices, organisations that can demonstrate robust data integrity and responsible AI usage will gain a significant edge. Companies that fail to prioritise these principles risk reputational damage and regulatory penalties, while those that embed trust into their data and AI strategies will position themselves as leaders.”
