January 30, 2026 -- Cognizant has been recognized as a Leader in the Payments IT Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025 by Everest Group. The assessment evaluated the market activity and investments of 32 global service providers in the payments IT services market classifying them into three categories and positioning Cognizant in the Leader category.

According to Everest Group, Leading providers act as strategic transformation partners by combining modernization scale, platform alliances and innovation across real-time, digital assets, and secure, regulator-ready payment environments. Leaders manage large-scale modernization efforts across payments systems, focusing on ISO 20022, real-time, cross-border and card payments to help clients achieve compliance and leverage data value. They collaborate with industry bodies and regulators on standards and interoperability, support global programs through specialized Centers of Excellence (CoEs) and partner with major payment networks, PSPs and FinTechs for innovation in areas like digital assets and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).

“Cognizant has strengthened its position in payments IT services by enabling enterprises to navigate modernization across real-time, cross-border and digital payment environments,” said Pranati Dave, Vice President, Everest Group. “Clients value its consulting-led engagement model and strong domain expertise, while its broad partnerships with leading payment technology providers and hyperscalers enhance its ability to support large-scale transformation programs. Cognizant’s investments in innovation labs, AI studios and market-shaping thought leadership have further reinforced its momentum, contributing to its recognition as a Leader in Everest Group’s Payments IT Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025.”

The report by Everest Group praises Cognizant for building a wide partner network with major payment tech companies, FinTechs, and hyperscalers like ACI, Finastra, FIS, Stripe, Marqeta and AWS to co-develop market offerings. Cognizant’s efforts to drive market growth by publishing payments-focused whitepapers, engaging in regulatory consultations and hosting its Payments Exchange forum were noted to be key strengths leading to its recognition as a Leader. Cognizant also operates innovation labs and AI-focused CoEs to collaborate with clients on co-developing future payment solutions.

“We’re honored to be recognized as a Leader in the Everest Group Payments IT Services PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025—a testament to our sustained focus on helping to modernize and transform our clients’ payments ecosystems,” said Ajay Pandita, Senior Vice President and Financial Services, Fintech and Insurance Business Unit Leader, Cognizant. “This achievement reflects the capabilities of our people, our continued investments in innovation and our commitment to help deliver secure, reliable and resilient solutions. We extend our sincere thanks to our clients for their trust and partnership; their tireless ambition and their commitment to collaboration continue to inspire us. We look forward to helping them accelerate what’s next in payments.”

For more information on the recognition, read the report.

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