Exploring the Advancements in Expense Management Tools by Findity in 2026

The Changing Landscape of Expense Management in 2026

In the latest report from Findity, titled State of Expense Management 2026, a comprehensive analysis of expense management tools across Europe has been conducted, revealing significant trends and challenges within the industry. The report targets nine key European markets, including the Nordics, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and France.

Findity, a recognized leader in embedded expense management technologies, sheds light on how businesses are navigating their expense management systems amidst evolving demands and digital transformation.

Current State of Expense Management

As businesses grapple with the intricacies of expense management, a staggering 76% of employees still rely on tools not specifically designed for expense tracking. This leads to notable inefficiencies, additional costs, and wasted time in corporate environments. The predominant reliance on manual processes, such as traditional pen and paper methods or spreadsheets, which account for 30% of tools used, reveals a significant opportunity for improvement.

Additionally, 46% of the workforce is entrenched in legacy accounting systems that lack modern functionalities required for efficient expense management workflows. These outdated systems tend to complicate the process further, hampering productivity for both employees and finance teams.

Conversely, the rise of purpose-built expense management applications is notable, representing 17% of tools in use today. These applications are among the fastest-growing category within expense management tools, boasting a remarkable 12% average annual growth rate (CAGR) since 2022. This shift reflects a growing acknowledgment among businesses of the need for intuitive and automated solutions tailored to streamline daily operations and reduce friction.

Demand for Integrated Solutions

As described by Findity’s CEO, Patrick Olsson, the need for effective tools designed explicitly for expense tracking has become paramount. He stated, "Many businesses are still relying on expense solutions that aren't designed for the task... The sustained growth in expense apps reflects a clear demand from businesses for tools that are intuitive and automated."

This shift toward dedicated applications indicates a broader trend within the industry, as companies increasingly seek integrated, comprehensive financial workflows. The preference for a