By CTO James Legan, PayQuicker
As the payments industry evolves, three key trends will define 2025: the rise of AI-driven personalization, the demand for on-demand payroll, and the acceleration of financial inclusion.
Businesses and individuals deserve smarter, faster, and more inclusive payout solutions. Research supports that people prefer the option to have access to their pay after every shift, note that having on-demand pay would help them pay their bills on time, and say on-demand pay would help them avoid using payday loans and avoid paying late fees.
The convergence of on-demand pay, AI and financial inclusion will further modernize how businesses pay their global workforces and, more importantly, how workers access and manage their earnings.
AI-Powered Personalization: The Future of Payments
In 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) will play a central role in the payments landscape, driving unprecedented levels of personalization. Individuals are no longer satisfied with one-size-fits-all solutions; they expect payment experiences that cater to their specific needs, whether it’s real-time payroll, personalized currency options, or predictive financial management.
Payments executives are rising to the challenge, as according to a study by Arizent, 80% said they are using or plan to use generative AI-based tools to support some part of their payments business in the next two years.
AI solutions can deliver personalized experiences at scale to payees worldwide. AI and machine learning have the power to intelligently automate payment flows, ensuring that each user receives their funds through their preferred method—whether that’s a digital wallet, bank transfer, e-wallet, or prepaid card—at the exact moment they need it.
Beyond simple preferences, AI will help us predict payment patterns, reduce delays, and enhance security. The future of payments will be frictionless and intuitive, with AI empowering businesses to offer a bespoke financial experience that drives payee satisfaction and loyalty.
Payment companies must act now to get ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape. Embracing AI is no longer optional; it’s necessary for those looking to differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
The On-Demand Payroll Revolution
This year, the concept of on-demand payroll will reach critical mass. As the gig and creator economies continue to grow, individuals increasingly expect immediate access to their earnings, whether they complete a task, post content, close a sale, or finish a shift. According to an ADP report, on average, 66% of employees working for companies that didn’t offer earned wage access said they would be interested if their employer provided it.
Waiting for biweekly or monthly payroll cycles will become a relic of the past. In 2025, businesses that fail to provide on-demand payroll will struggle to attract and retain top talent, particularly younger, mobile workers who prioritize flexibility and control over their finances.
Businesses should consider building in the capability or partnering with the right vendors to allow workers to access their earnings instantly. It is about more than just convenience—it gives workers the financial freedom and flexibility they expect in today’s fast-moving, on-demand world. Companies that integrate real-time payroll solutions will stand out in the competitive gig, freelance, and on-demand sectors, making it easier to attract and retain top talent.
Financial Inclusion: Bridging the Global Gap
2025 will mark a significant shift toward financial inclusion, driven by real-time payments and mobile technology that bring financial services to previously underserved populations. Traditionally, emerging markets were characterized by limited banking infrastructure and access to financial services, leaving millions of workers and businesses without the tools to participate fully in the global economy.
However, fintech innovations, such as real-time payouts, mobile banking, and digital wallets, are rapidly closing this gap. An ACI report shows real-time payments could create more than 167 million new global bank account holders as soon as 2028.
There is great momentum toward bringing real-time pay to the forefront of global transactions. According to a Capgemini report, in 2023, instant payments made up just 16% of all transactions globally but are predicted to account for 22% of all global transactions by 2028.
Those who strive to lead this shift must offer aggregated global payout solutions that provide workers—especially those in emerging markets—access to real-time payouts through digital wallets, e-wallets, prepaid cards, and alternative banking options. These tools enable people to bypass traditional banks, reducing barriers to financial access and empowering workers to take control of their earnings.
Future of Payments
The future of payments is about speed, convenience, and democratizing financial access for all. Businesses can engage a truly global workforce without regional banking limitations by leveraging the infrastructure needed to pay out in different areas. As financial inclusion grows, the distinction between developed and emerging markets becomes less relevant. Instead, each market will be viewed through the lens of its specific opportunities and challenges, driven by fintech adoption.
By offering innovative payment solutions that bypass traditional infrastructures, we can give workers the tools to participate in the global economy and help businesses expand their reach in opportune markets. Financial inclusion will no longer be an aspiration but a reality, opening new doors for businesses and workers alike.
About the Author
James Legan is the CTO of PayQuicker and a software
architect with over 20 years of experience in both
start-up and enterprise SaaS companies. As a tech
executive, he is particularly passionate about solving
complex business problems and technical challenges
with the help of software architecture, technological
innovations, and strategic partnerships.
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