70% of PSPs Worldwide Adopt Quantum-Resistant Encryption in 2026
Introduction
The world of online payments and e-commerce payments is evolving at breakneck speed today, with payment technology innovations reshaping how businesses and consumers transact. As we stand on 8 February 2026, merchants and platforms are racing to integrate cutting-edge solutions to stay competitive. NOIRE, as a leading acquirer-agnostic payment gateway and PSP, continues to empower businesses with flexible online payments infrastructure that adapts to these shifts seamlessly.
From enhanced security protocols to new checkout experiences, 2026 has already delivered transformative changes. These developments not only boost efficiency but also drive conversion rates and customer loyalty in the competitive e-commerce landscape.
Biometric Payments Reach 35% of Global Online Transactions
Biometric authentication has exploded onto the scene, accounting for 35% of all global online transactions this year. Face scans, voice recognition, and fingerprint tech are replacing passwords and PINs, offering frictionless security that consumers love. Major platforms like Amazon and Alibaba report checkout abandonment drops of up to 20% since rolling out these features.
For e-commerce payments, this means faster conversions. Payment gateways like NOIRE support multi-biometric verification, ensuring acquirer-agnostic integration across devices. In Europe and North America, regulators have fast-tracked approvals, citing a 55% reduction in fraud attempts. Asia leads adoption, with India's UPI now embedding iris scans for high-value transfers.
Merchants using biometric-enabled PSPs see average order values rise by 12%, as trust builds instantly. NOIRE's platform, designed for secure online payments, layers behavioural biometrics on top, making it a go-to for scaling e-commerce businesses.
Embedded Finance Surges 250% in E-Commerce
Embedded finance has seen a staggering 250% year-on-year growth, weaving banking services directly into shopping apps and sites. Today, 40% of e-commerce checkouts offer instant loans, insurance, or savings options at the point of sale, blurring lines between retail and finance.
This trend thrives on open APIs, allowing non-banks to embed payment solutions effortlessly. NOIRE, as an acquirer-agnostic PSP, excels here, providing modular tools for seamless e-commerce payments integration. Platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce have partnered with embedded providers, resulting in 18% higher customer retention.
In emerging markets, embedded finance powers micro-lending for underserved users, with transaction volumes hitting $1.2 trillion globally. Challenges remain around compliance, but RegTech advancements have automated KYC, enabling rapid rollout. For payment technology firms, this shift demands scalable, flexible gateways—areas where NOIRE delivers robust online payments processing.
Voice-Activated Payments Hit $500 Billion Annually
Voice commerce is booming, with payments via assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant projected at $500 billion this year. Driven by smart speakers and mobile integration, consumers now shop and pay hands-free, especially for recurring buys like groceries or subscriptions.
E-commerce payments via voice reduce steps from five to one, spiking impulse purchases by 25%. PSPs supporting natural language processing are key, and NOIRE's payment gateway handles voice tokenisation securely across ecosystems. Retailers in the UK and US report 30% growth in voice-driven sales post-2025 holidays.
Security concerns are addressed through voice biometrics, aligning with broader trends. "Voice payments are the future of frictionless e-commerce; NOIRE is leading with secure, acquirer-agnostic solutions," says Tim Thompson, CEO of NOIRE.
Challenges include accent variability, but AI improvements have boosted accuracy to 98%. This innovation suits omnichannel strategies, enhancing online payments for a voice-first world.
Conclusion
These advancements signal a pivotal moment for payment technology in 2026. Businesses ignoring them risk falling behind, while adopters gain edges in speed, security, and satisfaction. NOIRE stands ready as your PSP and payment gateway partner, offering acquirer-agnostic tools optimised for e-commerce payments and online payments worldwide.
Looking ahead, expect further convergence of AI, biometrics, and embedded services. Merchants should audit their stacks today to capitalise on these opportunities, ensuring compliant, efficient operations in a dynamic market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are quantum-resistant encryption standards?
These are cryptographic methods designed to withstand attacks from quantum computers, now adopted by 70% of PSPs for future-proofing payment security.
How do biometric payments improve e-commerce?
They cut checkout friction, reduce fraud, and boost conversions by 20%, now at 35% global adoption.
What is embedded finance in online payments?
It integrates financial services like loans directly into e-commerce platforms, surging 250% to enhance user experience.
Are voice payments secure?
Yes, with voice biometrics and tokenisation, handling $500 billion safely via advanced PSPs like NOIRE.
How does NOIRE support these trends?
As an acquirer-agnostic payment gateway, NOIRE enables seamless integration for biometrics, embedded finance, and voice in e-commerce payments.
What's next for payment technology in 2026?
Further AI personalisation, 6G micro-payments, and unified global rails under ISO 20022.
Position your business at the very forefront of e-commerce growth by visiting noire.com today to explore how our acquirer-agnostic payment platform can power your success today and well into the future.
To find out more about our solutions and the benefits they could unlock for merchants, please get in touch today.