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CNBC Releases 2025 Ranking of the World's Top Fintech Companies
CNBC has released its 2025 list of the world’s top fintech companies, identifying 300 firms that are advancing financial technology across multiple sectors. The ranking, developed in partnership with Statista, evaluated companies based on performance metrics, industry impact, innovation, and regulatory adherence.
More than 2,000 firms from around the world were assessed for inclusion. Companies on the final list operate in areas such as payments, neobanking, wealth technology, digital lending, regulatory technology, and financial infrastructure.
According to CNBC, the ranking is intended to highlight companies offering practical, scalable solutions across the global financial system.
Evaluation Method and Selection Criteria
Statista, a data and research firm, collaborated with CNBC to review public data and direct company submissions. The evaluation focused on several factors, including user growth, platform reliability, technical innovation, and regulatory compliance. Companies were placed into one of eight categories based on their primary service offering.
To be considered, companies needed to show consistent operational strength, measurable impact in their markets, and evidence of technological advancement. The methodology did not prioritize funding rounds, valuations, or speculative growth forecasts.
The selection process was global. Companies from North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Latin America were all represented on the list.
Companies Recognized in Payments and Treasury Infrastructure
SUNRATE, headquartered in Singapore, was among the companies listed under the payments category. The firm provides treasury and global payment services for businesses operating in multiple currencies and regions.
Priority, based in the United States, was also named in the payments category. The company offers integrated banking and payment tools to businesses, supporting both retail and back-end financial operations.
Identity and Compliance Tools Receive Recognition
Alloy, a U.S.-based platform specializing in identity decisioning, was recognized in the regulatory technology category. The company supports banks and fintech clients by offering tools for identity verification, fraud detection, and compliance decision-making. Its platform allows financial service providers to automate key parts of their onboarding and monitoring processes.
Trading Platforms with Expanded Reach
Tiger Brokers, headquartered in Singapore and listed on Nasdaq, appeared in the wealth technology category. The firm offers a digital trading platform that enables users to access stock markets in the U.S., Hong Kong, China, and other regions. The platform includes tools for research, portfolio tracking, and trade execution.
Lending Platforms Serving Underserved Markets
Oportun, based in California, was listed under the lending category. The company provides personal loans, savings tools, and financial education resources, with a focus on consumers who lack traditional credit histories. Oportun uses proprietary models to evaluate creditworthiness and offers loan products aimed at building long-term financial health.
Cross-Border and Enterprise Finance Solutions
Singapore-based Thunes was recognized in the payments category for its work in international money transfers and remittances. The company partners with mobile wallets, financial institutions, and payment providers to facilitate transactions in over 100 countries.
Zip, with operations in the U.S. and Australia, appeared in the enterprise finance category. The company offers procurement software designed to manage employee purchasing and vendor interactions. Its tools are used by corporations seeking transparency in finance-related operations.
Tools for Professional Services
AffiniPay, a U.S. company focused on legal and professional service payments, was named under the embedded finance category. Its products support law firms by simplifying billing, trust accounting, and client payments. The company has continued to expand its integrations with legal software platforms, increasing its relevance in a specialized segment of the market.
CNBC recognized AffiniPay for building fintech tools around industry-specific requirements rather than pursuing general-purpose solutions.
Global Distribution and Sector Coverage
The full list of 300 companies includes firms from more than 30 countries. Companies were grouped based on their primary category, with subcategories used to further classify firms within payments, lending, and wealth management. Statista noted that the global spread of the companies reflects growing adoption of fintech services in both developed and emerging markets.
The list was designed to reflect operational excellence and product reliability, not theoretical potential. Companies included in the ranking had to meet thresholds in technological stability, user trust, and service availability.
Sector Context and Market Trends
The release of the list comes at a time when global investment in fintech remains cautious, but steady. Many of the firms recognized by CNBC have shown resilience by focusing on infrastructure, compliance, and user utility rather than aggressive expansion.
Statista’s research also points to increasing demand for sector-specific tools, especially in areas like legal finance, procurement automation, and regulatory decision-making. This year’s list includes more companies serving institutional or enterprise users than in previous editions.
Conclusion
The 2025 list of the world’s top fintech companies, compiled by CNBC and Statista, highlights firms that are providing reliable financial tools at scale. Across sectors including payments, lending, wealth technology, and compliance, the companies recognized are contributing to the evolution of financial services through focused, results-driven solutions.
Their inclusion reflects not only technical advancement but also the capacity to deliver measurable results across different regions and financial functions. As fintech continues to integrate into mainstream finance, the firms on this list serve as key examples of how technology can support trust, efficiency, and access.
