Shaping the future of embedded finance together.
In February 2025, Toqio hosted its highly anticipated Partner Connect Kickoff work session in the vibrant city of Madrid, bringing together influential leaders and visionaries from our dynamic partner ecosystem, including participants from major consultancies, system integrators (SIs), fintechs, tech companies, banks, BaaS providers, and other players. The event centered around one powerful idea: the future of finance isn’t just embedded, it’s integrated and orchestrated. Together, we are empowering corporations and financial institutions to turn financial technology into a strategic growth engine.
Embedded finance conversations
A market on the rise
The event opened with a discussion on the scale of embedded finance. Figures that highlight its staggering potential were discussed, including a market worth USD 7.9 trillion globally, with USD 37 trillion in B2B payments throughout the EMEA alone. Attendees from Visa, for example, explained how they are expanding beyond traditional financial institutions, working with non-regulated businesses as well. This shift sparked discussion among participants about the growing accessibility of embedded financial services and what this means for corporate strategy.
A market on the move
Another key theme was how large corporations are increasingly well-positioned to integrate financial services into their ecosystems. Representatives from KPMG pointed to case studies like Mahou, Toast, and others, showing how deep industry knowledge and strong merchant relationships allow corporations to develop custom financial solutions for their partners. Attendees were particularly interested in exploring how businesses can go beyond payments and offer lending, credit, and other financial products tailored to their ecosystems.
Beyond growth, there was also significant focus on the ongoing consolidation of the fintech sector. Attendees examined recent acquisitions (such as Solaris being acquired by an investment bank and the merger of Railsr and Equals) as signals that the industry is entering a new phase. Participants debated whether these moves represent a natural market correction or a larger shift in financial technology business models.
Will 2025 be a game-changer?
Despite the increasing prominence of embedded finance, it was noted that the industry has yet to reach its tipping point. There was broad agreement that businesses are interested in the concept but often hesitate due to regulatory uncertainty and concerns about implementation complexity. Several participants stressed that for adoption to accelerate, companies need clearer demonstrations of value beyond cost savings, whether through improved customer retention, better risk management, or revenue diversification.
The discussion then logically turned to the role of banks. Historically, banks have provided infrastructure but largely remained in the background of embedded finance. However, this dynamic is shifting. Examples like HSBC Embedded Finance Ltd and large-scale BaaS projects were highlighted as evidence that banks are becoming more active participants. There was debate over whether banks will take the lead in embedded finance innovation or remain providers of regulatory oversight and capital access.
A Deloitte representative introduced a thought-provoking discussion on how embedded finance fits within corporate transformation. Should it be viewed as an extension of ERP, treasury, and sales tools like Salesforce? Or is it something entirely new that requires its own strategic approach? The consensus seemed to be that while embedded finance touches many areas, it has the potential to be a transformation driver in its own right.
What to expect in the next few years
Closing the event, Adyen reflected on how the rise and fall of fintech has shaped today’s market. Many fintechs built essential infrastructure during their boom years, but shifting regulations and economic pressures have created gaps in SME financing that traditional banks have largely left unfilled. The conversation focused on which players will step in to provide financial services to underserved businesses, with non-traditional lenders expected to take on a greater role.
Throughout the event, attendee engagement remained high, with active participation in discussions on corporate-led financial innovation, regulatory challenges, and the future of fintech consolidation. While opinions varied on certain topics, especially regarding the role of banks, there was clear agreement that embedded finance is moving from a niche innovation to a fundamental shift in financial services.
Embedded finance: The market opportunity
The B2B payment sector, in particular, stands out as the largest global opportunity in fintech today. Major players in the market are already making significant strides to capture market share through innovation and strategic partnerships. Our partners are driving this change by offering tailored financial solutions that solve real-world challenges, from instant payment processing to more flexible lending options for businesses in need of working capital.
Last year was, in fact, a year of remarkable achievements for Toqio. At the luncheon, partners joined in celebrating several milestones, including being recognized with nominations and wins for several awards. Notably, Toqio also welcomed several new partners in 2024, as compatriots in our journey to build a stronger, more interconnected ecosystem.
The time is right for embedded finance
The Partner Connect Kickoff event also highlighted why now is the ideal time for businesses to adopt embedded finance. With the global market shifting toward ecosystem-driven finance, more and more businesses are looking for ways to integrate financial solutions into their operations. Research shows that companies using embedded finance report higher customer loyalty and increased ability to attract new customers, key factors for driving long-term success.
The current economic landscape, with its increased demand for digital financial services, presents a massive opportunity for businesses to tap into new revenue streams. Embedded finance isn’t just a trend, it’s becoming a necessity for companies seeking to differentiate themselves in a crowded market. By integrating embedded finance solutions, businesses can streamline operations, enhance customer experience, and open up new revenue opportunities.
The future of embedded finance: What’s next?
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, Toqio is set to continue leading the charge in making embedded finance simpler, faster, and more accessible for businesses worldwide. We'll be making an announcement soon on our cutting-edge configuration tool that allows partners to integrate, customize, and launch financial solutions easily. The launch of a new Partner Portal is also on the horizon. This all-in-one hub will empower our partners by offering streamlined pipeline creation, deal tracking, and shared business collaboration tools. In addition, our upcoming sales and technical enablement programs will provide comprehensive training for partners, ensuring they have the knowledge and tools necessary to maximize the potential of embedded finance. These sessions will help teams across sales and technical roles stay ahead of market trends, equip them to pitch Toqio’s solutions effectively, and empower them to leverage our platform’s full capabilities.
We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who joined us in Madrid and contributed to the success of this event. Together, we’re building the future of finance, and we are excited for the continued journey ahead.
Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to connect with Toqio in 2025 as we continue to innovate, collaborate, and drive success in the world of embedded finance.