Global Scans · Financial Services · Weekly Summary

• [New] Global financial services chief executives are heading into 2026 with renewed confidence, expecting improvements in revenue, profitability and productivity as investments in AI deliver better-than-expected results. InvestmentNews
• [New] In a move that could indirectly impact the commercial legal world, the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK is consulting on how to regulate AI and its impact on the financial services sector. Artificial Lawyer
• [New] In 2026, 42% of SBOs plan to increase efficiency/productivity, 37% will launch new products / services, and 32% plan to improve financial operations. The Mt. Sterling Advocate
• [New] Financial services firms are far more likely than other industries to expect quantum computing to deliver business value by 2030, particularly in areas such as portfolio optimization, risk modeling, and cryptography. AI Insider
• [New] Sea and Google will work together to develop and scale AI applications across digital financial services, e-commerce and gaming. Fintech Singapore
• [New] By 2026, autonomous CX will become a competitive differentiator across retail, financial services, telecom, and healthcare. Kasmo
• [New] In addition to identifying areas of potential growth for AI in financial services, part of their role will be to help to ensure the UK's policy, regulatory, and investment environment is fit for purpose as AI becomes an increasingly important in global competition. Taylor Wessing
• [New] Financial services tech will make up 17.1% of US total tech spending in 2026. Forrester
• [New] Forrester expects US financial services tech budgets, including staff costs, to reach $495 billion in 2026, up from $449 billion in 2025, representing 10.3% year-over-year growth. Forrester
• [New] AI spending is forecast to more than double to reach $632 B by 2028, with financial services among the top investors. Insight Global
• [New] Financial services expect transformative changes by adopting Quantum AI for complex risk assessments, portfolio optimization, and fraud detection. BUSINESS 2.0 NEWS
• [New] Regulatory topics that will have a significant impact on institutions operating in the UK financial services sector in 2026. Global Relay Intelligence & Practice
• [New] If enacted, the CRYPTO Act would require virtual currency businesses to hold a BitLicense issued by the New York State Department of Financial Services or risk prosecution for unlicensed virtual currency business activity. Fenwick
• [New] Financial services becoming technology As we enter 2026, the boundary between banking and technology will become increasingly indistinguishable. FStech
• [New] Savers do not have to take on additional risk by switching to a smaller or digital provider because many challenger banks are also covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, which protects deposits up to £120,000. The Money Pages
• [New] Europe's 20th sanctions package will further increase pressure on Russia through measures on energy, financial services, and trade, while cracking down on attempts to bypass them. Mint
• [New] T-Mobile is leveraging its scale and nationwide 5G Advanced network to expand into new growth areas, including advertising, financial services, and long-term opportunities in edge and physical AI. T-Mobile Newsroom
• Extending the tax holiday to 20 years, followed by a concessional regime, considerably enhances India's attractiveness as a global financial hub and is expected to draw long term foreign capital and high value financial services. KPMG
• By 2030, the FCA should remain an outcomes-based regulator - one that enables innovation, manages risks, and protects consumers as AI becomes more embedded across retail financial services. FCA
• Financial services leads with $31.3 billion invested in AI and analytics in 2026, while healthcare analytics grows at 21.1% CAGR toward $167 billion by 2030. Integrate.io

Last updated: 23 February 2026