Observed Signal · Feb 24, 2026 · Call for Applications · Source: CNBC Technology · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Apply Now: Join the World's Top Fintech Companies 2026!
CNBC and market research firm Statista are accepting applications for the fourth edition of CNBC's World's Top Fintech Companies list, which recognizes fintech firms across segments including payments, wealth tech, insurance and (new this year) regulation tech. The list has previously included established players such as Mastercard, Stripe and Visa and recent entrants like Bilt, TerraPay and Entsia. The announcement cites KPMG data showing global fintech investment of $44.7 billion across more than 2,200 deals in the first half of 2025, down from $54.2 billion in the prior six months. Companies whose core business is technology-based financial products and services can apply via a Statista-hosted form; the submission deadline is April 24, 2026. Questions can be directed to topfintechs@statista.com.
Industry recognition program that highlights fintech leaders and adds regtech as a distinct segment; provides timely industry data but is not a major platform policy change or major financial event.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- CNBC and Statista opened applications for the fourth edition of CNBC's World's Top Fintech Companies list.
- Regulation tech (regtech) was added as its own segment for the 2026 list.
- Past list entrants include Mastercard, Stripe, Visa, and recent debuts by Bilt, TerraPay and Entsia.
- KPMG reported $44.7 billion invested in global fintech across over 2,200 deals in the first half of 2025, down from $54.2 billion in the prior six months.
- Submission deadline for the 2026 list is April 24, 2026; Statista can be contacted at topfintechs@statista.com.
Connected Companies & Entities
3 Entities mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Global Fintech Investments Surpass $100 Billion in H1 2026
According to KPMG's 'Pulse of Fintech H1'26' study, global fintech investments reached $103.1 billion in the first half of 2026, a 43% increase from the previous six months. This growth was driven by a few large deals, with the top ten transactions accounting for $64 billion (62% of total). The United States dominated with $80.8 billion (78% of global capital). In Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), investments fell 37% to $11.3 billion, with Germany ranking second in the region at $1.6 billion, behind the UK's $2.5 billion. The payments segment attracted the most capital at $44.2 billion, largely due to Global Payments' $24.3 billion acquisition of Worldpay. AI-related fintech investments surged to $21.4 billion across 800 deals, nearly matching the full-year 2025 total of $23.6 billion. KPMG expects continued consolidation and a focus on scalable technologies and AI.
Meet the 2026 Fintech 100: The Private Companies Building the Future of Finance
CB Insights analyzed thousands of private fintechs to identify the 100 most promising startups in the world. Webinar on Nov 10, 2026.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 unveils Smart Money Stage
TechCrunch announced a new Smart Money Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 (October 13–15, Moscone Center, San Francisco) dedicated to fintech, payments, and AI. The programming will cover topics including stablecoins, instant payments, FedNow and private networks, AI agents in financial decision-making, fraud prevention, identity verification, and building regulated global financial infrastructure. Participating companies and speakers called out in the preview include Circle, Robinhood, American Express, Plaid, Airwallex, TabaPay, Emergence, and QED Investors. Sessions highlight company leaders such as Jack Zhang (Airwallex), Abhishek Fatehpuria (Robinhood), and panels featuring product, fraud, and AI strategy leads. The article positions the stage as practical programming for founders and operators interested in payments rails, embedded finance, and AI applications in financial services.
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