It won’t come as a surprise that the finance tools that are predicted to be generating the most interest this year are predominantly driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Also get ready to talk about the maturation of digital assets like stablecoins and tokenised real-world assets, and a shift towards real-time, data-driven platforms that offer personalisation and advanced analytics.
Here are the top ‘hot’ tools and trends in finance for 2026:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
Agentic AI systems:
These are autonomous AI systems that can perform multi-step tasks, coordinate workflows, and make decisions with minimal human intervention. Examples include tools for fully automating accounts reconciliation, processing invoices, and even handling a significant portion of customer service chats.
AI-driven analytics & forecasting:
AI is moving beyond basic reporting to provide predictive insights, real-time anomaly detection, and advanced scenario modeling. Tools from providers are utilising AI to help businesses anticipate cash flow gaps or surpluses weeks in advance.
Hyper-personalisation tools:
Financial institutions are using AI and extensive data analytics to offer highly tailored products, from customised investment advice via robo-advisors (such as Fidelity Go®) to proactive money management tips and loan offers based on individual behavior.
Enhanced cybersecurity and fraud prevention:
With AI enabling more sophisticated cyberattacks, finance tools are incorporating AI for real-time transaction monitoring, biometric authentication, and robust data privacy controls to detect and prevent fraud.
Digital assets and infrastructure
Stablecoins and tokenisation:
Digital assets are moving mainstream, with institutional adoption of stablecoins (cryptocurrencies pegged to fiat currencies) accelerating for faster, cheaper, and 24/7 cross-border payments and settlement. The tokenization of traditional assets like bonds and real estate is also gaining traction to improve liquidity and efficiency.
Real-time settlement infrastructure:
Payment systems are shifting to real-time gross settlement (RTP) networks, such as the FedNow Service in the U.S. and similar initiatives globally. This infrastructure is becoming a baseline expectation for instant cash flow visibility and liquidity, moving away from slow, batch-based systems.
Operational Efficiency & Compliance
Cloud-native and modular platforms:
Firms are modernising legacy systems into more flexible, cloud-based, and modular architectures to enable faster innovation, better integration with third-party fintechs, and greater operational resilience.
RegTech (Regulatory Technology) solutions:
As regulatory scrutiny on AI, data privacy, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting increases, RegTech tools are becoming essential. These tools automate compliance monitoring and reporting processes, helping finance teams stay ahead of evolving rules and reduce risk.
Integrated finance and operations data:
There is a growing demand for tools that break down data silos between finance, sales, operations, and supply chains to provide a unified view of performance. This enables finance professionals to take on a more strategic, advisory role within their organisation.
Want to learn more about the latest in finance this year? Register for your FREE tickets today. First stop – Twickenham, 17th March. Click here to find out more.
