Bhanu Matta

expert panel

Banks once viewed fintech as an existential threat. Now fintechs are pursuing banking licenses while traditional institutions adopt fintech-style technology and customer experiences. Members of the Senior Executive FinTech Think Tank explain why the real winners may be the companies that combine financial trust, regulatory strength, technology and customer focus.For years, fintechs challenged traditional banks with faster technology, simpler digital products and better customer experiences. Now, the lines are blurring as fintechs pursue banking capabilities and established financial institutions adopt the technology that helped their challengers gain ground.This convergence reflects a broader shift in financial services. Global fintech investment reached $103.1 billion in the first half of 2026, even as deal volume declined, signaling greater investor selectivity and a focus on scalable business models, according to KPMG. Members of the Senior Executive FinTech Think Tank examine what this changing landscape means for financial institutions competing on technology, trust and customer value.The question is no longer simply whether fintechs can become banks or banks can become more like fintechs. It is which companies can combine the strongest capabilities of both to deliver better financial products and experiences.