Fintech Leaders Prioritize Cross-Border Growth 94% See It As Critical

On June 24th, 2025, a significant report titled "Destination Digital" was launched, revealing the strategic priorities, challenges, and jurisdictional considerations facing global fintech businesses. The report, based on the views of 451 fintech executives from major financial hubs, highlighted that 94% of global fintech leaders consider cross-border growth either critical or important to their success. Notably, 63% of these businesses are already operating through entities in International Finance Centres (IFCs), underscoring the pivotal role of jurisdictions in the operation and growth of decentralized and digital-first businesses.

When choosing to incorporate, fintech businesses prioritize several factors. Access to international markets and banking services is crucial for 33% of global executives, followed by a stable and business-friendly regulatory environment (32%) and an established professional services network (27%). This new generation of businesses, driven by rapid technological advancement, sees investment in emerging technologies as essential for staying competitive. Nearly half (46%) of fintech businesses prioritize tech integration to enhance operational efficiency over the next two years, with business leaders in exchanges (64%) and the tokenization sector (59%) particularly focused on automation and digital infrastructure.

Despite their global growth ambitions, fintech businesses face significant challenges. Over a quarter (28%) see access to funding and investment as a hurdle, while the same percentage (28%) point to regulatory compliance and changing policies as major obstacles. The fragmented and ever-changing regulatory landscape, especially in the digital assets space, requires jurisdictions that can navigate compliance requirements such as Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Client (KYC) across multiple markets. IFCs provide a solution with an innovative approach to regulation, addressing the significant challenge faced by 24% of global fintech executives.

Elise Donovan, CEO of BVI Finance, emphasized the complex and volatile geopolitical and economic conditions that fast-scaling companies must navigate. She highlighted the importance of understanding the evolving needs of this new generation of businesses and the critical role that IFCs play in their growth. As businesses in the global fintech sector increasingly seek to incorporate in jurisdictions with expertise, infrastructure, and regulatory clarity, IFCs will remain essential to the industry’s transformation and global growth.

The research was conducted by Censuswide among a sample of 451 business leaders working in fintech across various regions. The survey abides by the Market Research Society code of conduct and ESOMAR principles, ensuring the integrity and reliability of the findings.

BVI Finance plays a pivotal role in promoting and marketing the British Virgin Islands as a leading international business and finance center. Established in 2002, its aim is to provide a voice to the BVI's financial industry and support the sector's growth and development.

FinTech on the Seas 2025, a first-of-its-kind digital assets conference, took place from June 25th to June 27th on Necker Island. The exclusive event brought together global innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders to foster cross-border collaboration and deliver new insights on how emerging technologies are reshaping global financial systems.