Quick pulse: what’s shaping payments and finance for SMEs

• Real-time payments expansion: more countries are rolling out instant payment rails, improving cash flow for businesses.
• Embedded finance growth: marketplaces and SaaS platforms increasingly embed loans and payments into merchant workflows.
• Investor activity: regional fintechs are raising rounds and expanding services for SMEs.

These shifts mean faster settlement, new funding sources and better commerce experiences for merchants. A healthy fintech ecosystem makes it easier for SMEs to get paid and grow. UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)+1

Why SMEs should care

Faster payments reduce working capital gaps. Embedded lending smooths restocking. New payment rails lower transaction friction and costs.

What to watch next year

• Partnerships between payment platforms and logistics providers.
• More embedded lending products that use merchant data for credit decisions.
• Expansion of mobile-money interoperability across borders.

Final note

Stay informed; payment shifts create operational advantages for early adopters. Speak to your platform provider about new payment integrations and lending options.