In partnership with the Bankers Association for Finance and Trade (BAFT), I am pleased to share findings from the 2025 CGI and BAFT trade technology survey. This annual study, which marks its fifth iteration, captures the evolving priorities, challenges, and technology strategies shaping the global trade finance industry.
A defining moment for trade finance
As the pace of change accelerates, this year’s results highlight a pivotal moment for trade finance. Banks are navigating rising compliance pressures, tightening budgets, and increasing client expectations, while continuing to modernize and collaborate across the trade ecosystem. The survey findings reveal both how far the industry has come and where it’s headed.
Key findings from the 2025 survey
Shifting revenue models reshape trade finance
One of the most notable shifts in the 2025 survey is the continuing move away from traditional trade products. For the first time, these instruments represent less than half of expected trade revenue, projected to drop from 50% today to 39% within 5 years.
In contrast, open account and supply chain finance continue to expand, rising from roughly 26% today to more than 32% in the same period. Structured trade and export finance are also expected to grow, reflecting the increasing complexity of global trade and the need for diversified financing structures.
This evolution signals a lasting transformation in the trade landscape, where simpler, document-heavy processes are giving way to more flexible, data-driven solutions that align with clients’ working capital priorities.
Compliance pressures take center stage
Regulatory and compliance demands have overtaken technology investment as the top challenge facing trade banks throughout 2025 and into 2026. More than half of survey respondents (53%) cite compliance as their greatest concern, up sharply from 2024.
This shift underscores the growing impact of geopolitical uncertainty and fragmented regulatory regimes. Banks must now navigate sanctions, transshipment controls, and evolving disclosure requirements across multiple jurisdictions, all while managing limited internal resources.
As these pressures mount, institutions are being forced to make harder choices about where to invest. Balancing compliance readiness with digital transformation will define the success of trade operations in the years ahead.
Modernization and intelligent automation gain ground
Despite economic headwinds, investment in modernization remains a clear priority. The survey shows 39% of banks are upgrading back-office platforms and 38% are modernizing front-office trade portals, both up from last year.
At the same time, intelligent process automation (IPA), including AI, machine learning, and natural language processing, continues to dominate planned technology investments, with 55% of respondents identifying it as a key focus area.
The combination of automation and modernization offers a powerful pathway for banks to “do more with less.” By digitizing core processes and connecting to broader trade ecosystems through APIs and data analytics, banks can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver greater value to clients.
Fintech collaboration remains critical, despite challenges
Partnerships with fintechs remain a cornerstone of innovation in trade finance. Respondents report continued collaboration across supply chain finance providers (41%), digital document platforms (39%), and multi-bank networks (38%).
However, satisfaction with fintech engagement declined slightly to 64%, highlighting the need for clearer governance, shared KPIs, and better alignment on measurable outcomes.
Even so, nearly three-quarters of respondents expect to expand their fintech partnerships in the near term. This continued engagement reflects the industry’s recognition that innovation will depend on deeper collaboration between banks, technology providers, and new ecosystem players.
Looking ahead: Building resilience through modernization
The 2025 survey paints a picture of an industry in transition. Banks are balancing multiple imperatives, meeting regulatory expectations, managing constrained budgets, and investing in the technologies that will define the next era of trade.
The findings show that modernization, interoperability, and intelligent automation are no longer optional; they are essential enablers of resilience and growth. Institutions that act now to simplify legacy systems, strengthen fintech partnerships, and modernize their trade infrastructure will be better positioned to serve clients, manage risk, and lead in an increasingly complex global marketplace.
For a deeper look at the 2025 survey findings and insights, download the 2025 CGI and BAFT survey results and explore how trade finance leaders are transforming for the future. For a conversation about our survey and trade finance work, feel free to connect with me below.
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Patrick DeVilbiss
Director and Senior Offering Manager, Trade and Supply Chain Solutions
Patrick DeVilbiss is a subject matter expert in trade finance and supply chain finance, with a specialized focus on the areas of receivables and payables finance. He also delivers SaaS product management services to clients, defining client needs based on industry changes, platform metrics and ...
