Plaid's 2026 Fintech Predictions report highlights significant trends expected to shape the financial services sector. CEO Zach Perret, along with Credit Product Lead Michelle Young and CTO Will Robinson, offers insights into the evolving landscape. One notable shift is lenders prioritizing fraud prevention over managing delinquency. This change reflects a growing awareness of the sophisticated tactics used by fraudsters, who are anticipated to be the primary users of artificial intelligence, rather than fintech companies looking to enhance customer services. Another trend is the unbundling of the credit score. Lenders are likely to move away from a singular reliance on traditional credit scores, opting instead for a more nuanced approach that considers various data points. This could lead to more personalized lending options, but also raises questions about fairness and transparency in lending practices. The report suggests that as financial technology advances, the industry will need to adapt quickly to these emerging challenges and opportunities.