What makes or breaks corporate payments?

 

We surveyed ~500 financial leaders to uncover their needs, expectations and what matters most in the corporate landscape.

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A shared vision for smarter payments

In a rapidly evolving financial landscape, businesses are redefining their approach to corporate payments. 

To uncover the priorities shaping this transformation, AirPlus surveyed ~500 finance leaders across Europe and the US. 

Our insights paint a picture of a future-focused corporate world driven by security, innovation, and seamless integration.

We uncovered six key areas of interest that have everyone talking: 

1. Security is everything

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The number of businesses focusing on cybersecurity and operational efficiency is growing – rapidly.

 

And alongside it, the demand for robust and reliable payment systems also increases.

 

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Staying competitive means prioritizing tools and systems that support efficiency and guide decision-making:

Virtual cards have emerged as a frontrunner in payment innovation, with 54.8% of respondents actively tracking new payment methods for future adoption.

2. Innovation equals competitive advantage

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Staying competitive means prioritizing tools and systems that support efficiency and guide decision-making:


Virtual cards have emerged as a frontrunner in payment innovation, with 54.8% of respondents actively tracking new payment methods for future adoption.


In fact, 68.9% view their corporate payment provider as a driver of innovation.

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In fact, 68.9% view their corporate payment provider as a driver of innovation.

 

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Top five innovations businesses want from their payment provider:

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1. Real-time payment processing
Allows for faster transactions, enabling businesses to improve cash flow and reduce delays in critical operations.		 credit-card

 
2. Comprehensive data analytics and reporting 

Provides data for actionable insights, empowering leaders to make informed decisions and optimize performance in real-time.

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3. Integration with other business systems 

Helps to streamline operations, reduce manual work, and easily collaborate across departments.

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4. AI and machine learning integration

Plays an important role in enhancing security and reducing financial risks.

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5. Blockchain technology utilization

Enables increased transparency and security in transactions.

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3. Automation drives efficiency

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Did you know? 

Almost half of respondents (47%) claimed that a high degree of automation/ integration is the reason why they stay loyal to their payment provider.

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Where businesses are investing:

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62.9% 

are automating fraud prevention and risk management.

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40.8% 

are prioritizing investments in working capital and credit solutions.

4. Using data to manage costs

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As businesses increasingly rely on data to gain financial visibility, those with access to intuitive analytics tools can make more informed decisions, optimize cash flow and drive growth.

Where does data help most on a daily basis? 

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Where does data help most on a daily basis? 

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5. Regulation in focus

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Regulations continue to evolve, but businesses remain attentive.

Almost two thirds (64.2%) claim to be either familiar or very familiar with the regulatory environment of corporate payment, leveraging a range of both internal and external sources to stay informed:

 

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6. Sustainability

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Green is a key topic for customers – and corporate payments are no different.

35.7% of people rank sustainability as a very important factor when making payments and financial decisions in their company.

62.5% of people state transparency around reporting environmental impact as the most important influencing factor. 

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Embracing the digital shift

The continuous rise of digital payment solutions is reshaping the way businesses operate. With the global payment market evolving rapidly, finance leaders are leveraging innovation to stay ahead.

Exploring new horizons in payments

Exploring new horizons in payments

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Embracing the digital shift

The continuous rise of digital payment solutions is reshaping the way businesses operate. With the global payment market evolving rapidly, finance leaders are leveraging innovation to stay ahead.

Did you know? 

The value of the global online payment market is expected to reach $1 trillion by 2030. [1]

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Leading the next era of payments

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The future belongs to businesses that lead in shaping smarter, more adaptive ecosystems.

The challenge isn’t just keeping pace with change – it’s setting the pace.

By prioritizing innovation, forward-thinking businesses can set the standards for a more reliable and resilient payments future.

At AirPlus, we make corporate payment smarter, simpler, and more secure, so you can focus on what matters to you.
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