The research spans over 200 fintech companies across five regions and 60 countries, and shows that while customer growth slowed to 37% in 2022–23 (down from 55% during the pandemic boom of 2020–21), revenues continued to soar at an average rate of 40%, and profits grew by 39%. This decoupling of user growth from financial performance points to robust monetization strategies and improved operational models.

Perhaps more significantly, the report underscores a major evolution in the purpose and accessibility of fintech. Over half of the surveyed companies reported that a majority of their customers are either women, low-income individuals, or small businesses. These statistics show fintech is not only thriving but also advancing financial inclusion in both developed and emerging economies.

“Fintechs are now positioned to do more than disrupt—they’re stabilizing and reinforcing the financial ecosystem,” said Matthew Blake, Head of the Centre for Financial and Monetary Systems at the WEF. “They’re doing it profitably and inclusively.”

AI and automation are also playing a critical role. An overwhelming 83% of respondents confirmed that AI had significantly enhanced their customer experience, and three-quarters noted it had improved efficiency and profitability. This signals a new AI-led wave within fintech, helping firms scale sustainably without inflating costs.

While earlier concerns about macroeconomic conditions and investor funding loomed large, sentiment has improved. Only 18% of fintechs now view macroeconomic factors as a critical challenge—down from 56%—and just 12% cite capital access as a major issue, compared to 40% two years ago.

This optimism is echoed by fintech leaders themselves, who see the sector as entering a phase of “disciplined growth” rather than risky expansion. With improved regulatory clarity, scalable infrastructure, and increased public trust, fintech is steadily becoming a core pillar of the global financial system.