10 Best B2B Payments Technology Consulting Firms in 2026

Introduction

The B2B payments ecosystem is undergoing its biggest transformation yet.

Real-time settlement, open banking APIs, embedded finance, and global regulatory change are forcing processors, PayFacs, banks, and enterprise fintech platforms to modernize faster than ever.

Payments consulting firms play a critical role in this shift. They act as specialized partners that help payment providers redesign infrastructure, integrate new rails, and scale modern capabilities without disrupting existing operations.

By combining domain expertise, engineering depth, and regulatory fluency, these firms support organizations as they adopt real-time payments, unify fragmented systems, implement PFaaS models, and deliver more seamless merchant and partner experiences.

Explore the key B2B payment trends shaping the market today.

What Is Payments Technology Consulting?

Payments technology consulting focuses on helping PayFacs, processors, banks, and B2B platforms modernize their payment infrastructure through structured, phased transformation programs.

Typical engagements span system integration, platform unification, and capability expansion across the full payments lifecycle. A strong payments consulting firm guides organizations through:

• Payment integration services
• Account-to-account (A2A) payments via open banking APIs
• Payment orchestration and unified platforms for B2B
• Legacy platform modernization
• Cross-border B2B payments and currency solutions
• Fintech software development and engineering
• Real-time payments enablement (RTP, FedNow, SEPA Instant, UPI)
• AI-driven AR/AP automation and smarter reconciliation
• Embedded payments in ERP and business software
• Blockchain and stablecoin payment rails for B2B
• Virtual cards and ePayables for B2B payables
• B2B Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and flexible financing

As payments transition from batch processing to real-time execution, consulting firms help businesses evolve from fragmented systems to unified, API-driven architectures.

Why Payments Modernization Matters in 2026

Payments modernization has become essential.

In 2026, payment providers face competitive challenges from new systems, embedded finance solutions, regulatory updates, and increasing customer expectations, leading to higher demand for specialized consulting.

Modernization is vital because it enables:

• Real-Time Money Movement
• Unified, API-Driven Infrastructure
• Compliance and Risk Management
• Cost Optimization Through Smart Routing
• Enhanced Merchant and Platform Experiences
• Future-Proofed B2B Payment Infrastructure

This is why organizations increasingly seek consulting firms with a solid track record in integrations, orchestration, compliance, and system modernization.

Why This List Matters

This list evaluates modernization capability, engineering depth, global scale, and proven delivery across financial institutions.

It reflects the criteria organizations use when selecting payments consulting firms to support API integration, payment services, real-time and instant payments, and orchestration platform upgrades, making it a trusted benchmark for anyone seeking top-tier fintech consulting firms in the payments space.

Top 10 B2B Payments Technology Consulting Firms in 2026

1. Praxent - Payments Technology Consulting & Modernization

Praxent specializes in modernizing payment platforms through API-driven architectures that unify fragmented systems and enhance real-time payment capabilities.

Its expertise includes complex payment integration services, PFaaS enablement, orchestration layer development, and multi-rail connectivity across ACH, RTP, FedNow, card networks, and stablecoins.

Praxent helps payment providers eliminate bottlenecks through scalable, compliant, and cloud-ready infrastructure designed for high-volume financial operations.

Additionally, Praxent supports B2B platforms looking to embed payments natively, modernizes legacy processors aiming to introduce new systems, and collaborates with PayFacs to redesign onboarding flows, risk models, and underwriting processes.

Its engineers focus on hands-on delivery, API reliability, and clear integration patterns that reduce operational overhead.

Praxent also offers strong support in enhancing merchant experiences, improving billing flows, automating reconciliation, and developing flexible payment API ecosystems suited for global growth.

Key Capabilities

• Payment integration services across industry platforms and enterprise systems
• API orchestration and legacy modernization
• PFaaS platforms and scalable API ecosystems
• Multi-rail routing engines
• Microservices migration and cloud-ready architecture
• Compliance workflows including KYC and AML
• Digital payment experiences such as billing, onboarding, and merchant portals

Why It Stands Out

• 2-week engineer ramp time
• SOC II Type II compliance
• AI-assisted development acceleration
• High engineering quality
• Flexible US and LATAM pods

2. Accenture - Global Payments Modernization & API Integration

Accenture supports large-scale payment infrastructure modernization, including ISO 20022 migrations, open banking API integration, and multi-rail orchestration. Accenture is widely recognized for its leadership in payment infrastructure modernization on a global scale.

It partners with some of the largest banks, processors, and financial institutions to help them replace legacy systems, redesign settlement workflows, and adopt real-time capabilities. Accenture also assists PayFacs and enterprise payments teams in transitioning to cloud-native architectures, scaling high-volume authorization processes, and improving cross-border payment speed through better routing and compliance.

Its consulting teams bring deep regulatory understanding, particularly for multi-market operations, and help clients prepare for evolving standards related to fraud controls, sanctions, and digital identity.

Accenture’s capacity to mobilize large global teams makes it ideal for complex, multi-year modernization programs.

Key Capabilities

• Payment infrastructure modernization
• ISO 20022 migration
• Open banking API integration
• Cross-border payments optimization
• Real-time settlements
• Core system transformation

Why It Stands Out

• Global delivery scale
• Strong compliance and regulatory expertise
• Deep relationships with major institutions

3. Capgemini - Open Banking & API Modernization

Capgemini provides strategic consulting and engineering execution for open banking, embedded finance, and digital payment ecosystems. Its approach aligns with the needs of modern B2B payments technology consulting.

The consulting teams assist financial institutions in developing modern payment APIs, transforming legacy workflows into real-time pipelines, and integrating orchestration capabilities to enhance multi-rail routing.

Capgemini is noted for its cross-functional approach, combining engineering, user experience, and financial advisory expertise to create cohesive payment experiences for merchants and partners. The firm also supports European banks navigating PSD2, PSD3, and open payments compliance, making it a proactive partner for institutions in regulated markets.

Capgemini is engaged in large modernization efforts involving multi-vendor integrations, cloud migration, and enabling embedded payments for SaaS and digital platforms.

Key Capabilities

• Open banking API modernization
• Platform transformation
• Embedded payments enablement
• Cross-border orchestration frameworks

Why It Stands Out

• Strong regulated industry expertise

4. Deloitte - Regulatory First PayFac & Modernization

Deloitte leverages rigorous regulatory frameworks for PayFac enablement, risk management, and multi-processor orchestration. The firm is a trusted partner for compliance-driven payment transformations.

Recognized for its support of enterprise payment organizations in aligning with compliance expectations, Deloitte enhances merchant onboarding controls and mitigates risk exposure through effective underwriting and transaction monitoring.

The firm also guides processors and PayFacs in developing scalable operating models that accommodate new systems, alternative payment methods, and international growth. Their consulting teams collaborate to modernize internal payment systems, improve settlement reliability, diminish fraud risks, and unify disconnected payment workflows. With substantial experience in financial services regulation, Deloitte serves as a reliable advisor for organizations updating intricate, compliance-heavy payment environments.

Key Capabilities

• PayFac enablement
• Risk and compliance consulting
• Multi-processor orchestration
• Data governance

Why It Stands Out

• Deepest compliance strength among global firms

5. Infosys - Real Time Payments & Automation

Infosys enables modernization through real-time payment systems, intelligent automation, and cloud payment platforms. The firm is an essential partner for organizations building advanced payment orchestration capabilities.

Infosys supports banks, processors, and fintech firms in adopting RTP and FedNow, streamlining batch processes, and integrating sophisticated orchestration engines. The firm also modernizes legacy mainframe cores, transitioning them to microservices that support greater uptime and scalability.

Beyond infrastructure, Infosys possesses strong automation capabilities that enhance reconciliation, handling exceptions, and managing cross-border settlement processes.

Infosys often leads transformations across multiple markets where payment systems must observe diverse regulatory requirements while maintaining real-time performance. Its engineering expertise positions it as a dependable partner for organizations seeking reliable delivery on an enterprise scale.

Key Capabilities

• RTP and FedNow
• Payment gateway integration services
• Payment automation
• API first modernization

Why It Stands Out

• Strong AI and automation capabilities

6. PwC - Payments Transformation & FS Consulting

PwC specializes in modernization strategy, ISO 20022 readiness, and operational transformation for banks, processors, and enterprise B2B platforms. The firm’s frameworks are widely utilized by large organizations undertaking multi-year payment infrastructure modernization initiatives.

PwC assists organizations in evaluating legacy systems, designing modernization roadmaps, and implementing new payment flows that adhere to global regulatory standards.

The firm’s financial services teams also emphasize risk, audit, and compliance, positioning them for organizations facing regulatory scrutiny or navigating complex internal transformations.

PwC guides PayFacs entering new markets, supports processors with operating model redesign, and helps banks streamline core payment infrastructure to enhance transparency and efficiency. The firm collaborates closely with engineering teams to improve payment architecture and introduce scalable, API-driven ecosystems.

Key Capabilities

• Payments modernization strategy
• Core platform transformation
• ISO 20022 readiness

Why It Stands Out

• Strong regulatory and audit expertise

7. IBM Consulting - Core Modernization & Hybrid Cloud

IBM accelerates core migration, hybrid cloud modernization, and open banking capabilities for enterprise organizations managing high-volume payment traffic. IBM is a leading provider of solutions for institutions operating with legacy systems.

Its teams assist institutions in transitioning legacy cores to cloud-ready environments, building resilient payment infrastructures, and implementing real-time processing functionalities. IBM’s engineering capabilities excel in modernizing complex, high-availability systems while ensuring compliance and uptime throughout the process.

The firm also supports organizations adopting open banking standards, improving API reliability, and enhancing observability across multi-rail payment pipelines.

IBM’s combination of engineering proficiency, AI tooling, and frameworks for enterprise modernization equips clients to minimize technical debt, boost performance, and prepare their payment systems for future scalability.

Key Capabilities

• Hybrid cloud payments
• API first modernization
• Open banking integration

Why It Stands Out

• Reliable enterprise modernization framework

8. Cognizant - Embedded Payments & Platform Enablement

Cognizant helps SaaS platforms embed payments through modular APIs, streamlined onboarding workflows, and microservices. The firm is well-positioned within global fintech consulting for embedded payments initiatives.

Its teams specialize in developing PayFac-like capabilities for software companies, facilitating merchant onboarding, improving KYC and underwriting processes, and incorporating payment automation.

Cognizant also collaborates with enterprise platforms embracing PFaaS models, assisting them in updating risk processes, developing reporting tools, and designing seamless embedded payment experiences.

With significant vertical expertise in healthcare, retail, logistics, and financial services, Cognizant delivers payment solutions tailored to industry-specific requirements.

Cognizant’s engineering strengths support multi-rail routing, tokenization, ledgering, and the other components essential for modern B2B payments.

Key Capabilities

• Embedded payments
• PayFac onboarding workflows
• Modular microservices

Why It Stands Out

• Deep vertical expertise

9. EPAM Systems - API First Payment Orchestration

EPAM focuses on developer-led integration engineering and global orchestration for high-growth payment providers. With a developer-first approach, EPAM is a strong ally for companies creating next-generation payment orchestration platforms.

The firm is acknowledged for its robust engineering culture and transparent delivery approach, making it appealing to fintech scale-ups that are setting up new payment capabilities.

EPAM supports organizations in designing orchestration layers that unify routing, settlement, and processor integrations while ensuring real-time reliability.

Its teams also develop developer tooling, analytics dashboards, and operational controls that provide visibility across multi-processor networks.

In addition, EPAM aids global expansion efforts where businesses must integrate several processors, optimize foreign exchange flows, and uphold compliance across regions.

Key Capabilities

• Orchestration architecture
• Multi-processor analytics
• Developer tooling

Why It Stands Out

• Developer first culture

10. TCS - Multi-Processor Routing & Settlement

TCS supports global enterprises with large-scale payment modernization projects involving multi-processor routing, cross-border payments, and real-time foreign exchange management. TCS is a preferred choice for global-scale payment infrastructure modernization.

The firm helps organizations redesign settlement workflows, enhance automation, and integrate modern payment APIs that cater to diverse business models.

TCS also aids institutions navigating cloud transformations, enabling hybrid architectures that improve speed, reliability, and global reach.

With extensive experience in high-availability systems preferred by major banks and processors, TCS is a trusted partner for mission-critical modernization.

For organizations expanding into new geographies, TCS provides frameworks for compliant routing, improved reconciliation, and efficient foreign exchange operations.

Key Capabilities

• Multi-processor routing
• Cross-border payments
• Real-time FX settlement

Why It Stands Out

• Strong scalability and reliability

The Growing Need for Specialized Payments Engineering Support

The demand for real-time payments, multi-rail routing, embedded finance, and open banking solutions is increasing across the B2B landscape. Payment providers face pressure to unify fragmented systems, modernize outdated components, and quicken integration timelines.

The firms on this list offer strong options for various modernization needs. However, organizations looking for hands-on engineering support, faster execution cycles, and API-driven delivery models often require more agile partners with specialized payments expertise.

Take Action with the Right Payments Modernization Partner: Praxent

From real-time systems to orchestration, the firms above are equipped with strong payments expertise. However, Praxent stands out with engineering teams built specifically for the payments ecosystem, combining domain expertise, compliance-first delivery, and scalable API architectures.

By integrating modern payment rails, accelerating platform integrations, and modernizing legacy systems through microservices and orchestration, Praxent positions payment providers to operate faster, simplify complexities, and build resilient platforms designed for growth.

Explore what’s possible with Praxent’s payments engineering teams and move forward in your modernization journey today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Payments Consulting

What does a payments consulting firm do?

A payments consulting firm assists PayFacs, processors, banks, and financial platforms in modernizing their payment infrastructure. This includes API integration, payment orchestration, open banking solutions, risk workflows, embedded payments, and real-time payment implementation.

Why is payments modernization important in 2026?

Modernization enables quicker money movement, improved compliance, reduced operational costs, unified data, and more resilient payment infrastructures. It is vital for providers who want to compete effectively with new systems, embedded finance, and evolving regulatory expectations.

How do I choose the best payments consulting firm?

Look for established experience in integration engineering, open banking APIs, payment orchestration, multi-rail routing, and compliance-heavy environments. Organizations should prioritize partners with real delivery capabilities, not just strategic promises.

What industries benefit from payments consulting?

B2B payments modernization is relevant for processors, PayFacs, SaaS platforms, lending ecosystems, logistics, insurance, banking, and fintech companies that rely on rapid and compliant money movement.

What is a payment orchestration platform?

A payment orchestration platform consolidates routing, settlement, authentication, and processor integrations under a single framework. It boosts reliability, reduces costs, and enables multi-processor strategies.