ClearBank, a Fintech providing banking services, has distributed a note sharing predictions for 2025. Founded in 2017 and based in the UK, ClearBank is regulated and authorized by the FCA and PRA as well as the European Central Bank and De Nederlandsche Bank.
Charles McManus, Chief Executive Officer of ClearBank, says a prediction by McKinsey that the cost of payments globally will top $3 trillion by 2028 is a number that could and should be reduced. While many payments systems are constrained by legacy platforms, different jurisdictions are advancing with better technology.
“Globally, efforts like Europe’s single payment scheme and the US push for faster payments highlight the struggle to unify fragmented payment networks. Technology offers solutions: blockchain, tokenised deposits, and AI-driven routing are poised to enhance efficiency, security, and reliability. Bank-issued stablecoins, for instance, could revolutionise digital clearing in wholesale markets by reducing friction and enabling instant settlement.”
McManus says that Blockchain and AI will be embraced, helping fuel ecosystem improvements.
While quantum computers are coming, vendors are already creating quantum-resistant systems, says Bernard Wright, Chief Information Security Officer of ClearBank.
Organisations need to start considering their migration to these kinds of solutions well in advance of the threat materialising – the crucial first steps are to fully understand what cryptography is used throughout a business and how. Social media targeting has also become very sophisticated and will become more prevalent next year, focusing on specific individuals in businesses. AI and Deepfakes will make this a much more challenging area for users to ensure they do not get caught out and the associated controls will need to work hard to keep pace with the change.”
Matt Roberts, Head of Data Science & Analytics at ClearBank, says that the industry’s main focus right now is agentic AI, but he expects more focus on smaller, more efficient models.
“Additionally, we’re expecting more information on the EU AI Act and its components like Horizon EU and High Performance Computing, likely driving companies to offer services to align with these laws. Governance and ethics is certainly a growing focus area (as it should be) – if we take work away from skilled individuals and put it in the hands of AI, without enough training or experts who understand AI, there is a greater chance of negative outcomes for customers. Robust AI training should be on the roadmap for every financial institution.”
Sean Forward, Business Manager of Digital Currency for ClearBank, predicts we will soon reach a tipping point for stablecoin use in payments.
“But to truly realise the benefits they bring to wholesale payments will require banks to step in and deliver the infrastructure to support them. Otherwise, they run the risk of being sidelined by firms that create momentum in retail payments and look to shift that experience over to wholesale markets.”
2025 is set to be a year of consultation for digital assets, says Betsy Dorudi, Head of Public Policy, ClearBank
“The publication of HMT’s stablecoin legislation and FCA’s digital assets consultation will reignite debates on commercial, financial crime, and conduct aspects. However, with the regime not expected to be completed until the end of 2026 or later, there’s a risk the UK could fall behind other jurisdictions.”