ACI Worldwide Inc. has released a new industry analysis warning that most global payments leaders are unprepared for major disruptions expected in 2026. The report, "Payments in Transition: Leadership in an era of transformation," highlights that only 36% of payments executives have a clear long-term modernization roadmap. ACI predicts that the coming changes will be structural rather than incremental, driven by advancements in AI, next-generation authentication, new regulatory frameworks, and increased demand for instant, embedded, and secure payments. The analysis also identifies key trends shaping the future of the payments industry. Mergers and acquisitions are expected to intensify as banks seek growth and compete with technology giants, with only top performers able to sustain necessary technology investments. The "Rule of 40," which combines revenue growth and pretax margin, is returning as a critical benchmark, likely leading to further consolidation among underperformers. Additionally, new payment rails-such as instant payments and mobile wallets-are expanding financial inclusion, especially in developing markets like Brazil and India. ACI Worldwide urges banks and payment providers to modernize intentionally, invest in innovation, and build trust at scale to remain competitive in this rapidly evolving landscape.