When it comes to corporate payment, minimizing risk ranks top as the most pressing issue companies are facing today. But as efficiency ambitions rise, a balance needs to be struck between control and innovation in their payment solutions.
So how are companies addressing this?
We surveyed 650 finance leaders across Europe to reveal what decision makers prioritize, where investment is going, and what slows progress.
Trust outperforms features 
32%
favor long-term industry experience
39%
value fast issue resolution the most
49%
rank security as a top feature, with reliability at 46%
Automation is no longer optional 
Key issue:
Time and effort to process individual invoices
60+%
say streamlining and digitizing are highly relevant
36%
are starting to automate payment workflows
35%
are integrating payments with other systems
Data only matters if it delivers results
1 in 3
say efficiency and cost reduction are the most valuable use of data
2nd place
Risk management and fraud prevention rank close behind
AI impact
is strongest in automation and fraud detection
6 in 10
see high value in detailed travel payment data
Cost management
is enabled most by payment and billing data
#1 challenge
security and compliance when integrating data
Everyone feels prepared for regulations – but that’s just the start
55%
are either familiar or very familiar with the regulatory environment
57%
feel confident they can adapt to regulatory changes
57%
say current regulations support corporate payment practices
When it comes to corporate payment, minimizing risk ranks top as the most pressing issue companies are facing today. But as efficiency ambitions rise, a balance needs to be struck between control and innovation in their payment solutions.
So how are companies addressing this?
We surveyed 650 finance leaders across Europe to reveal what decision makers prioritize, where investment is going, and what slows progress.
Trust outperforms features
When finance teams evaluate payment solutions, they look for something that can stand up to their day-to-day operations – and keep up during exceptions.
That’s why proven experience, responsive support, and security that holds under pressure are the most valued traits for corporate payment solutions.
32%
favor long-term industry experience
39%
value fast issue resolution the most
49%
rank security as a top feature, with reliability at 46%
Automation is no longer optional
Automation is increasingly used to free up capacity when pressure starts to build. By streamlining and digitizing payment processes, payment professionals can reduce repetitive handling and keep pace as volume and complexity rise.
This helps explain why integration and workflow automation show up as the most active areas of implementation.
60%+
say streamlining and digitizing are highly relevant
Key issue:
Time and effort to process individual invoices
35%
are integrating payments with other systems
36%
are starting to automate payment workflows
Data only matters if it delivers results
Payment data creates impact when it supports measurable business outcomes. Finance and procurement decision makers prioritize efficiency and cost reduction, with risk management and fraud prevention following close behind.
And as AI adoption accelerates, access to high-quality data has become essential for faster processing and more precise detection.
1 in 3
say efficiency and cost reduction are the most valuable use of data
2nd place
Risk management and fraud prevention rank close behind
AI impact
is strongest in automation and fraud detection
The cost potential of data is clear, but uptake is slow
Better visibility into payment and billing data supports cost management, especially in travel.
But progress often slows at the point of integration, where security and compliance requirements shape what data can move, how it is handled, and who can access it.
6 in 10
see high value in detailed travel payment data
Cost management
is enabled most by payment and billing data
#1 challenge
security and compliance when integrating data
Everyone feels prepared for regulations – but that’s just the start
Familiarity with the regulatory environment is high, and many organizations feel confident in their ability to adapt as requirements evolve.
But what truly matters is execution. Consistent application and audit resilience are what ultimately determine whether organizations can manage regulatory change without disruption.
55%
are either familiar or very familiar with the regulatory environment
57%
feel confident they can adapt to regulatory changes
57%
say current regulations support corporate payment practices