Area of Concern

Future Readiness

Commerce touches the daily lives of billions worldwide, and its future is too complex to predict precisely. In this set of forecasts on the future of commerce, independently produced by IFTF and sponsored by Visa, we can see four major trends that are likely to reshape how people buy and sell in ways even more significant than the digital revolution of the past two decades. These changes will transform not just how we shop, but the entire structure of business and consumer behavior.

  1. The Trust Principle
  2. AI Agent: Reporting for Duty
  3. Gen Alphas Adulting
  4. Valuing the Future

This report doesn't predict what will happen. Instead, it explores possible futures that merchants, banks and consumers may face in the next 10 years. These possibilities are based on trends we see today — from new technologies to changing consumer behavior. Each story in this report describes a potential future scenario. As you read, consider:

  • How would we adapt to this future?
  • What would our role be if this happens?
  • What should we do now to prepare?

Commerce of Tomorrow, Today: Pushing the Boundaries of Commerce

Download and read the report to use these stories to spot new opportunities and challenges ahead. They're designed to help you think differently about the future and plan accordingly.

Visa Commerce of tomorrow cover

Featured News:

B2AI is the new B2B: Why companies need to start designing products for AI agents by Sam Becker (4/16/25)
Businesses will need new strategies in a world where AIs chat among themselves, says a report from Institute for the Future sponsored by Visa.

Even though the future is too complex to predict precisely, we examined long-term trends, early signals of change and future scenarios designed to challenge current assumptions and help think differently about what's ahead. With the prevalence of AI, the future is here. Dylan Hendricks, Director of the IFTF Ten-Year Forecast

Engage with IFTF foresight researchers and powerful portfolio of tools and techniques to embrace strategic foresight, navigate large-scale change, and lead your organization toward a vibrant future.

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ABOUT VISA

Visa is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement.