Marktonderzoek financiële diensten

Financial services market research has shifted from periodic benchmarking to a continuous input for capital allocation, product design, and M&A. The institutions winning share treat evidence gathering as a system, not an event.
The pressure points are visible across the sector. Merchant acquirers face margin compression as scheme fees rise and account-to-account payments erode card economics. Retail banks weigh core banking modernization against ISO 20022 migration deadlines. Asset managers evaluate stablecoin settlement rails alongside real-time gross settlement upgrades. Each decision carries nine-figure exposure and depends on evidence that public data does not contain.
TInhoudsopgave
What Sophisticated Buyers Expect From Financial Services Market Research
The bar has moved. Executives no longer commission studies to confirm hypotheses. They commission them to falsify strategic assumptions before capital is committed. That reframes the deliverable from a report to a decision instrument.
Three qualities separate useful work from decorative work. First, primary evidence from named buyers, not panel aggregates. Second, structural analysis of unit economics, not directional sentiment. Third, competitor intelligence built from operators inside the target market, not desk research repackaged.
According to SIS International Research, financial services engagements increasingly hinge on B2B expert interviews with treasurers, payment heads, and platform CTOs, because published sources lag actual buyer behavior by twelve to eighteen months in fast-moving categories like embedded finance and open banking.
Why Is It Vital for Businesses?

One of the most compelling reasons to prioritize this research is the evolving nature of consumer expectations. Today’s consumers demand innovation and personalized services. For this reason, without in-depth financial services market research, institutions cannot tailor their services effectively to the needs and expectations of their clientele.
Moreover, the global financial landscape is perpetually shifting. Institutions are expected to use comprehensive and up-to-date market insights to navigate these shifts successfully and ensure sustained growth. In particular, this research provides strategic advantages such as:
- Datagestuurde besluitvorming: Financial services market research empowers businesses with data-driven insights, ensuring that every decision, from product development to marketing strategy, is rooted in solid evidence.
- Tailored Product Offerings: By understanding consumer preferences and behaviors, institutions can design products and services that directly address the needs of their clientele.
- Concurrentievoordeel: Being aware of market trends, emerging technologies, and competitor strategies allows businesses to stay ahead of the curve, positioning themselves as pioneers rather than mere followers.
- Risicobeperking: Comprehensive research offers a clearer picture of potential pitfalls, market volatilities, and areas of concern, enabling businesses to take preemptive actions.
- Verbeterde klantbetrokkenheid: Through feedback loops and sentiment analysis, businesses can enhance customer engagement strategies, fostering stronger relationships and building brand loyalty.
Fintech Market Intelligence: Where Value Concentrates
Fintech market intelligence separates into four workstreams that leadership teams commission together. Market sizing translates addressable volume into interchange, spread, or subscription revenue by segment. Competitive intelligence maps product roadmaps, pricing architecture, and channel economics of incumbents and challengers. Voice of customer work quantifies switching triggers and willingness to pay. Regulatory scenario analysis tests exposure to PSD3, DORA, and jurisdictional variations in open banking rules.
The workstreams matter individually. They compound when integrated. A payments client evaluating entry into a European corridor needs the interchange economics, the incumbent’s merchant retention data, the SME willingness-to-switch signal, and the PSD3 compliance cost in a single analytical frame. Sequenced separately, the answer arrives after the window closes.
Some Key Players in the Financial Services Market
Financial services market research highlights a competitive landscape dotted with industry giants, fintech startups, and innovative disruptors. Understanding these players is crucial for any business looking to navigate this intricate sector.
- JPMorgan Chase & Co.: As one of the world’s leading multinational banks, it commands a significant presence in the financial services sector. Financial services market research often identifies JPMorgan as a benchmark for best practices, innovative solutions, and market leadership.
- Goldman Sachs: Renowned for its prowess in investment banking and financial services, Goldman Sachs shapes the industry’s trajectory.
- Fintech like Stripe and Square: These digital-first companies are redefining the financial services sector with their agile, customer-centric solutions.
- Visa & MasterCard: These global payment networks are pillars in the transactional sphere of financial services. Their innovations, partnerships, and business models are critical data points within financial services market research, indicating the direction of cashless transactions and digital payments.
Banking Industry Competitive Analysis Beyond Public Filings
Public filings tell you what happened. They rarely tell you why, and they never tell you what a competitor plans next quarter. Serious banking industry competitive analysis is built from primary source triangulation: former employees, current vendors, distribution partners, and departing customers.
SIS International’s structured expert interview programs across payment hub architecture, scheme tokenization, and core banking modernization consistently surface pricing, roadmap, and vendor-selection signals twelve to twenty-four months ahead of public disclosure. That lead time is the difference between reacting to a competitor launch and pre-empting it.
The method is straightforward. Identify the twenty to forty individuals globally who touch a specific decision loop. Recruit fifteen to twenty-five through senior networks. Interview under strict anonymization protocols. Triangulate across role types. The output is a defensible view of competitor intent, not a survey of opinions.
The Building Blocks of Financial Services
Approximate share of the global financial services market held by each leading segment, sized by relative market value
Source 1: Global Financial Services Market Segmentation
Source 2: SIS International Financial Services Market Research
Segment shares are approximate estimates. Published splits vary by source and definition.
Payment Systems Research Firm Selection Criteria
Payment systems research has specific technical requirements. The firm must understand interchange optimization, card-not-present fraud economics, scheme tokenization, ISO 20022 message structures, and cross-border corridor mechanics. Generalists produce generalist answers. In payments, that costs money.
A useful selection filter is the ability to interview the actual decision-makers. Payment executives at Visa, Mastercard, Adyen, Stripe, Worldpay, and the top acquiring banks do not respond to cold outreach or panel invitations. They respond to relationships and to interviewers who can hold a technical conversation about merchant acquiring margin compression or real-time gross settlement latency. That access is the product.
Embedded Finance Market Sizing and Open Banking Adoption Trends
Embedded finance market sizing is frequently overstated because analysts count gross payment volume rather than the fee pool available to the embedded provider. The useful number is net take-rate multiplied by realistic attach rates by vertical. That produces a sober figure. It also produces an accurate one.
Open banking adoption trends show a similar pattern. Headline API call volumes suggest rapid adoption. Transaction-level analysis shows that a small number of use cases, primarily account aggregation and A2A payments in specific corridors, account for the majority of commercially valuable activity. The strategic question is which use cases convert at what unit economics, not which regulators have passed which mandates.
The SIS Financial Services Intelligence Framework
| Layer | Method | Decision Supported |
|---|---|---|
| Market Structure | Segmentation modeling, volume-to-revenue translation | Capital allocation, entry sequencing |
| Competitor Intent | B2B expert interviews, former-employee triangulation | Product positioning, pricing response |
| Buyer Economics | Voice of customer, willingness-to-pay conjoint | Product design, channel strategy |
| Regulatory Exposure | Scenario mapping, compliance cost modeling | M&A pricing, geographic prioritization |
Bron: SIS International Research
Opkomende digitale trends in de financiële wereld
AI and the Blockchain continue to disrupt the Financial Services industry. These trends will impact the marketing, sales, wealth management, investment, and compliance sectors. Many Financial organizations see AI as a way to manage the complexities of compliance and changes in tax legislation.
FinTech provides an alluring appeal for new efficiencies and opportunities. Financial institutions are increasingly looking to Blockchain technology for its innovative, efficient management of financial transactions. Companies are exploring opportunities for real growth through cognitive computing, predictive analytics, and other innovative technologies.
The industry has seen a significant transformation in recent years, driven by technological advancements. Here’s an overview of the key technologies and tools leveraged in financial services market research:
Toonaangevende segmenten
Retailbankieren represents one of the most significant segments of the financial services market, encompassing a wide range of products and services tailored to meet the needs of individual consumers and small businesses. From checking and savings accounts to mortgages and personal loans, retail banks provide essential financial products and services that facilitate everyday banking transactions, savings, and borrowing needs.
Asset Management is another leading segment of the financial services market, catering to the investment needs of institutional investors, high-net-worth individuals, and retail investors. Asset managers offer diverse investment products and services, including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and separately managed accounts, designed to help clients achieve their financial goals, optimize portfolio performance, and manage investment risks.
Insurance Services is a significant segment of the financial services market, protecting individuals, businesses, and assets against various risks and uncertainties. Insurance companies offer a wide range of insurance products, including life insurance, health insurance, property and casualty insurance, and annuities, designed to help clients mitigate financial losses, safeguard their assets, and achieve long-term financial security.
Investment Banking facilitates capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate advisory services for businesses, governments, and institutional clients. Investment banks provide a wide range of financial services, including underwriting, debt and equity financing, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory, and capital markets solutions, aimed at helping clients access capital markets, optimize capital structures, and execute strategic transactions.
Fintech represents a disruptive force in the financial services market, driving innovation, efficiency, and competition across various industry segments. Fintech companies leverage technology, data analytics, and digital platforms to deliver innovative financial products and services, such as peer-to-peer lending, robo-advisory services, digital payments, and blockchain-based solutions, that challenge traditional business models and reshape the financial services landscape.
Comparing the Leading Financial Services Segments
How the major segments differ in what they cover, who they serve, and how fast they are growing
| Segment | What It Covers | Primary Users | Growth Outlook |
|---|
Traditional segments grow at a steady mid single digit pace, while fintech expands several times faster as financial services move digital.
Source 1: Global Financial Services Market Segmentation and Growth
Source 2: SIS International Financial Services Market Research
Growth outlook is directional. Published segment growth rates vary by source and definition.
Which Region Has the Most Significant Share of the Market?
The financial services market is a global phenomenon, with significant activity and investment occurring in various regions worldwide. While market share distribution may vary depending on economic development, regulatory environment, and market maturity, certain regions stand out as key players in the global financial services landscape.
- Noord-Amerika: North America, particularly the United States, is home to one of the world’s largest and most developed financial services markets. With its robust regulatory framework, sophisticated infrastructure, and deep capital markets, the US attracts substantial investment from financial institutions, asset managers, and fintech companies. Major financial centers such as New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco are hubs for banking, investment, and innovation, driving growth and competitiveness in the North American financial services market.
- Europa: Europe is another prominent player in the global financial services market, with established financial centers such as London, Frankfurt, and Zurich serving as critical hubs for banking, asset management, and insurance services. The European Union (EU) plays a central role in shaping the regulatory landscape of the European financial services market, with initiatives such as the Single Market for Financial Services and the Capital Markets Union aimed at promoting integration, innovation, and competition across member states.
- Azië-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a global financial services market powerhouse fueled by rapid economic growth, rising affluence, and technological innovation. Countries like China, Japan, and Singapore are leading the way in fintech adoption, digital payments, and investment opportunities, driving growth and innovation in the Asia-Pacific financial services market. With initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the ASEAN Economic Community, Asia-Pacific countries are fostering regional integration, connectivity, and collaboration, creating new opportunities for businesses and investors in the dynamic and diverse Asia-Pacific financial services market.
Digital Assets Strategy Consulting and M&A Due Diligence
Digital assets strategy consulting is where the gap between generalist advisors and specialist researchers is widest. The decision variables include stablecoin settlement adoption by corridor, tokenization roadmaps at DTCC and Euroclear, custody economics, and regulatory divergence across MiCA, the UK FCA regime, and the U.S. framework. Getting this wrong is expensive. Getting it right requires operators, not analysts.
M&A due diligence in fintech carries a specific failure mode: the target's growth is real but the unit economics are subsidized by venture pricing that cannot survive integration. SIS International's due diligence work on fintech targets consistently identifies gaps between reported ARR growth and defensible contribution margin, most visibly in embedded finance platforms where partner economics compress rapidly at scale. Buyers who commission independent buyer interviews and pricing benchmarks before signing avoid the write-downs.
The Practitioner Advantage
The financial services firms that convert research into advantage share three habits. They commission narrow, deep studies rather than broad shallow ones. They insist on primary evidence from named decision-makers. They integrate the output into governance forums where capital is actually allocated, not into strategy decks that sit unused.
Financial services market research is not a commodity. The signal-to-noise ratio depends entirely on who is doing the interviewing, which questions they know to ask, and whether the analyst has sat across from a payments CFO before. That is where the value sits, and that is where the differentiation compounds.
Verwachte resultaten van de diensten van SIS International
SIS International offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet clients’ diverse needs in the financial services industry. Leveraging its global network, industry expertise, and cutting-edge research methodologies, our team delivers actionable insights and strategic recommendations that empower clients to succeed in a competitive marketplace.
- Market Intelligence and Analysis: SIS provides clients with in-depth market intelligence and analysis, enabling them to stay ahead of market trends, identify emerging opportunities, and make informed business decisions.
- Strategic Advisory Services: SIS offers advisory services to help clients formulate and execute winning strategies that drive business growth and maximize profitability.
- Ondersteuning bij naleving van regelgeving: SIS International assists clients in navigating complex regulatory environments and ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory requirements. Our experts help clients mitigate compliance risks, avoid regulatory pitfalls, and maintain a competitive edge in highly regulated markets.
- Op maat gemaakte onderzoeksoplossingen: SIS International offers customized research solutions to meet each client’s unique needs and objectives. With a focus on quality, accuracy, and relevance, SIS International provides clients with the information they need to make strategic decisions, mitigate risks, and capitalize on market opportunities in the fast-paced world of financial services.
- Thought Leadership and Industry Insights: SIS International produces thought leadership content and industry insights to help clients stay informed about key trends, developments, and challenges shaping the financial services landscape.
Opportunities in Financial Services Market Research for Businesses

Financial services market research opens up a spectrum of business opportunities, with potential for growth, differentiation, and capturing market share. These opportunities include:
- Digitale transformatie: The financial landscape rapidly evolves from AI-driven robo-advisors to blockchain-backed transactions. Businesses can seize this opportunity to integrate digital solutions, enhance customer experience, and streamline operations.
- Customer-Centric Products: Through financial services market research, businesses can uncover today’s consumers’ nuanced needs and preferences. With this data, they can tailor products, whether banking services or insurance policies, to cater to evolving customer demands.
- Sustainability and Ethical Finance: A growing segment of consumers prioritizes ethical and sustainable finance options. Delving into market research can guide businesses toward ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investments, green bonds, and sustainable lending practices.
- Compliance Solutions: As the financial sector grapples with several regulations, financial services market research underlines the rising demand for regulatory technology solutions. Businesses can tap into this need by developing or integrating tools that simplify compliance.
- Fintech Collaborations: Traditional financial institutions and fintech startups often have complementary strengths. Market research can help identify potential partnership avenues, allowing businesses to harness fintech's agility and established institutions' scale.
- Financial Literacy and Education: With the increasing complexity of financial products, there’s a growing need for education. Financial services market research indicates an opportunity for businesses to position themselves as thought leaders, offering workshops, webinars, and content that demystifies finance for the average consumer.
Challenges of Financial Services Market Research for Businesses
Financial services market research doesn’t come without its set of challenges – and businesses might encounter these types of challenges:
- Snelle technologische veranderingen: The pace at which technology impacts the financial services sector means market research findings might quickly become obsolete. Businesses need to update their research continuously to remain relevant.
- Globalization vs. Localization: While financial services market research offers a global perspective, the nuances of local markets can sometimes be overlooked. Balancing global trends with local demands is crucial for businesses to cater to diverse demographics.
- Regulatory Shifts: The financial services sector is heavily regulated. Any alterations in regulations can have a ripple effect. Maintaining these changes while conducting financial services market research demands constant vigilance.
- Consumer Behavior Unpredictability: Even with the most advanced financial services market research methodologies, predicting consumer behavior is complex. External factors, such as economic downturns or global events, can influence decisions, making forecasts challenging.
- Concurrentielandschap: The financial services industry is fiercely competitive. When financial services market research unveils an opportunity, several players might already be capitalizing on it, making it vital for businesses to act swiftly and innovatively.
Future Outlook of Financial Services Market Research
Financial services market research is always growing, and many future trends will impact this market research positively, including:
- Hyper-personalization through Data Analytics: Research will shift from generalized insights to hyper-personalized solutions. Leveraging big data and AI, businesses will fine-tune their offerings, curating experiences tailored to individual needs.
- Eco-friendly Financial Solutions: As environmental consciousness gains momentum, market research will pivot towards green finance. Businesses will explore sustainable investment avenues, green bonds, and eco-friendly lending solutions.
- Enhanced Integration of Technology: While technology has permeated the financial sector, the future of financial services market research will emphasize technologies like blockchain, quantum computing, and augmented reality, which will reshape financial processes and experiences.
- The Global Financial Ecosystem: As borders blur in the digital age, market research will facilitate the evolution of a global financial ecosystem. Seamless cross-border transactions, international collaborations, and unified financial platforms will become the norm.
- Inclusive Financial Systems: Focusing on underbanked populations, businesses will develop solutions catering to varied demographics, ensuring financial services for all.
Veelgestelde vragen
What is financial services market research?
Financial services market research is the systematic gathering of primary evidence on markets, competitors, buyers, and regulation to support capital allocation, product design, pricing, and M&A decisions in banking, payments, insurance, asset management, and fintech.
How do banks use competitive intelligence in core banking modernization?
Banks use competitive intelligence to benchmark vendor performance, identify migration risks from ISO 20022 deadlines, and evaluate how peers are sequencing platform replacement against ongoing operations. The most valuable inputs come from expert interviews with executives who have completed similar programs.
What makes a strong payment systems research firm?
A strong payment systems research firm combines technical fluency in interchange, tokenization, and cross-border settlement with direct access to senior operators at schemes, acquirers, and merchants. Access and technical depth are the products.
How is embedded finance market sizing typically miscalculated?
Embedded finance sizing is frequently inflated because analysts count gross payment volume rather than the net fee pool available to the embedded provider after partner economics. Accurate sizing multiplies realistic attach rates by defensible take-rates per vertical.
What should M&A due diligence on fintech targets include?
Fintech due diligence should include primary buyer interviews, pricing benchmarks against comparable providers, contribution margin analysis stripped of venture subsidies, and regulatory exposure modeling. Reported ARR growth alone is insufficient evidence for valuation.
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Over SIS Internationaal
SIS Internationaal biedt kwantitatief, kwalitatief en strategisch onderzoek. Wij bieden data, tools, strategieën, rapporten en inzichten voor besluitvorming. Wij voeren ook interviews, enquêtes, focusgroepen en andere marktonderzoeksmethoden en -benaderingen uit. Neem contact met ons op voor uw volgende marktonderzoeksproject.

