Applications are now open for CNBC’s annual list of the World’s Top Fintech Companies, created in collaboration with market research firm Statista. This is the fourth edition of the list, which identifies leading fintech companies globally, including both startups and established players from various sectors such as payments, wealth management, and insurance.
The previous year’s list highlighted significant names like Mastercard, Stripe, and Visa, alongside emerging companies such as Bilt, TerraPay, and Entsia. This year, the list has expanded to include a new segment focused on regulatory technology, targeting companies that assist others in meeting financial compliance requirements.
The fintech sector has evolved significantly over the years, transitioning from a high-growth challenger market to an essential component of the global financial infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards digital finance, and advancements in artificial intelligence are expected to bring further transformative changes to the industry.
In the first half of 2025, the global fintech market saw investments totaling $44.7 billion across more than 2,200 deals, a decrease from the previous six months’ $54.2 billion, as reported by KPMG.
Companies interested in being considered for the list can submit their information through a designated form hosted by Statista. The submission process will ask for details about each company’s business model and key performance metrics, including revenue growth and employee count. The deadline for applications is April 24, 2026.
Why this story matters: It highlights the evolving landscape of fintech, demonstrating its critical role in the global economy.
Key takeaway: The expansion of the list to include regulatory tech reflects the growing importance of compliance in the financial sector.
Opposing viewpoint: Some critics may argue that the focus on large players limits recognition of smaller, innovative companies within the fintech space.
