Anthony Walton, CEO, Iliad Solutions.
SIBOS has always been one of the most important dates in the calendar for anyone involved in payments. It is a place where the industry gathers to exchange ideas, debate challenges, and look ahead to what’s coming. Attending this year’s conference reminded me why it continues to matter: the pace of change in payments is relentless, and no single organisation can address the challenges alone.
Why I attended
My reason for attending SIBOS this year was straightforward. The conversations that happen in the conference halls and on the exhibition floor provide clarity on where the industry really stands. Hearing directly from banks, fintechs, regulators, and technology partners gives a perspective that no report or presentation can replicate. This insight is invaluable in shaping how Iliad continues to support the sector.
The issues at the forefront
Three themes dominated the discussions I had this year:
Cross-border payments and ISO 20022 – The migration journey is proving more complex than expected. Many institutions are struggling to keep pace with the technical and operational changes required, while still ensuring that existing services remain reliable.
Operational resilience – Boards are rightly asking whether their organisations could withstand a major disruption. Regulators are pressing harder, and firms are realising that resilience is not a project—it’s a capability that must be embedded.
Innovation under pressure – Whether it’s AI in fraud detection or experiments with digital currencies, innovation is accelerating. But speed creates risk. Without robust assurance, the risks can undermine the very progress firms are trying to make.
What stood out to me
The strongest message I took from the event was that the industry has reached a point where reliability and innovation must advance together. The demand for faster, cheaper, and more intelligent payment services will not slow down, but trust and stability are non-negotiable. The real competitive edge now lies in the ability to deliver change without disruption.
The role of testing
This is exactly where Iliad Solutions can make a difference. Our t3 platform was built to help institutions modernise the way they test payment systems. Instead of relying on fragmented, manual processes, t3 allows organisations to test with scale, speed, and accuracy – mirroring real conditions before a system goes live.
During SIBOS, it became clear how many institutions are actively searching for better approaches to testing. The traditional methods are showing their age. Automated, end-to-end testing is no longer a nice-to-have; it is essential for anyone serious about resilience and speed to market.
Looking forward
Reflecting on SIBOS 2025, I am more convinced than ever that the industry is moving into a new phase. Payments will continue to evolve rapidly, regulation will intensify, and customer expectations will rise. The firms that succeed will be those that embrace change confidently, knowing their systems can withstand the demands placed upon them.
Our role at Iliad is to give them that confidence.