Financial Services Horizon Scan 2026

Welcome to our Financial Services Horizon Scan 2026, a fast, easy to navigate resource for legal and business leaders in banking, insurance, payments, fintech, and investment management.

Change across the financial services sector continues to accelerate. Evolving regulatory frameworks, rapid advances in technology, more assertive supervision, and growing cross‑border complexity will define the landscape in 2026. Organisations should anticipate continued regulatory reform, expanding operational use of AI and data, developments in payments and digital assets, and heightened expectations around resilience, governance, and individual accountability.

This Horizon Scan brings together insights from our specialists across banking, insurance, fintech, payments, and asset management. Each section highlights the most significant legal and regulatory developments for that area, along with practical implications and recommended actions. We also examine cross‑sector themes to provide a clear, comprehensive view of the risks and opportunities shaping the year ahead.

On this page, you will find:

• concise summaries of regulatory updates and market trends;
• independent analysis to guide decision-making;
• sector-focused insights on innovation, compliance, and strategic developments; and
• quick access to deep dives and practical guidance.

How to use this Horizon Scan: start with the section most relevant to your organisation, then use the timelines and cross‑cutting themes to contextualise and sequence actions. 

We hope this resource supports your planning for 2026, helps keep your teams informed, and offers useful perspectives on what is ahead. If you would like to discuss impacts on your business or receive updates, please contact your usual CMS adviser or any of the authors in this publication. Our details are above.

This publication provides general information only and is not legal advice; regulatory timelines and scope may change.