Fiserv's biggest risks in the FY2024 10-K
- Fiserv faces intense competition and rapid technological changes, including artificial intelligence advancements, across its financial technology and payment systems markets.
The risks most specific to Fiserv
We operate in a competitive business environment and may not be able to compete effectively
Competition from financial technology vendors, payment systems, cooperatives, financial institutions, and independent sales organizations could reduce our market share.
If we fail to keep pace with technological change, including as a result of artificial intelligence, we could lose clients or have trouble attracting new clients, and our ability to grow may be limited
Failure to keep pace with rapid technological change and artificial intelligence could cause us to lose clients and limit our growth.
Changes in card association and debit network fees or products could increase costs or otherwise limit our operations
Increases in interchange and other fees charged by card associations and debit networks could increase our operating costs.
Our business depends, in part, on our merchant relationships and alliances, and if we are unable to maintain these relationships and alliances, our business may be adversely affected
The loss of exclusive merchant relationships and banking alliances could adversely affect our business and revenue.
- Operational and Security Risks
Security incidents or other technological risks involving our systems and data, or those of our clients, partners or vendors, could expose us to liability or damage our reputation
Security incidents or technological failures involving sensitive information could expose us to significant liability and reputational damage.
- Regulatory and Compliance Risks
If we fail to comply with the applicable requirements of the payment card networks and Nacha, they could seek to fine us, suspend us or terminate our registrations, which could adversely affect our business
Failure to comply with Visa, Mastercard, and Nacha requirements could result in fines, suspension, or termination of our network registrations.
- Regulatory and Compliance Risks
Our balance sheet includes significant amounts of goodwill and intangible assets. The impairment of a significant portion of these assets would negatively affect our results of operations
Goodwill and intangible assets represent 60% of our total assets at December 31, 2024, and any impairment would negatively affect our operating results.
- Regulatory and Compliance Risks
Existing or future leverage may harm our financial condition and results of operations
Our approximately $25 billion of debt as of December 31, 2024, could limit our financing ability and operational flexibility.
All 32 risk factors
Headings as the filing states them, in filing order.
Other
- 01We operate in a competitive business environment and may not be able to compete effectively
- 02If we fail to keep pace with technological change, including as a result of artificial intelligence, we could lose clients or have trouble attracting new clients, and our ability to grow may be limited
- 03If we are unable to renew contracts on favorable terms or if contracts are terminated prematurely, we could lose clients and our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected
- 04house. Further, our small merchant business clients may seek reduced fees due to pricing competition, their own financial condition or pressure from their customers
- 05Changes in card association and debit network fees or products could increase costs or otherwise limit our operations
- 06Our business depends, in part, on our merchant relationships and alliances, and if we are unable to maintain these relationships and alliances, our business may be adversely affected
- 07Consolidations in the banking and financial services industry could adversely affect our revenue by eliminating existing or potential clients and making us more dependent on fewer clients
Operational and Security Risks
- 08Security incidents or other technological risks involving our systems and data, or those of our clients, partners or vendors, could expose us to liability or damage our reputation
- 09Operational failures and resulting interruptions in the availability of our products or services could harm our business and reputation
- 10Disruptions of operations of other participants in the global financial system could prevent us from delivering our products and services
- 11We rely on third parties to provide products and services and if we are unable to obtain such products or services in the future or if these third parties fail to perform these services adequately, our business may be materially and adversely affected
- 12We may experience software defects, development delays or installation difficulties, which would harm our business and reputation and expose us to potential liability
- 13Our business may be adversely affected by geopolitical and other risks associated with operations outside of the U.S. and, as we continue to expand internationally, we may incur higher than anticipated costs and may become more susceptible to these risks
- 14Our business is impacted by U.S. and global market and economic conditions
- 15Potential tariffs or trade wars could increase the cost of our products, which could adversely impact the competitiveness of our products and our financial results
Regulatory and Compliance Risks
- 16If we or third parties with whom we partner or contract fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, we could be subject to liability and our business could be harmed
- 17If we fail to comply with the applicable requirements of the payment card networks and Nacha, they could seek to fine us, suspend us or terminate our registrations, which could adversely affect our business
- 18A heightened regulatory environment in the financial services industry may have an adverse impact on our clients and our business
- 19Legislative or regulatory initiatives on cybersecurity and data privacy could adversely impact our business and financial results
- 20Failure to comply with state and federal antitrust requirements could adversely affect our business
- 21We may be sued for infringing the intellectual property rights of others
- 22Misappropriation of our intellectual property and proprietary rights could impair our competitive position
- 23Changes in tax laws and regulations could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows from operations
- 24Unfavorable resolution of tax contingencies could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows from operations
- 25The failure to attract and retain key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business
- 26Losses due to chargebacks, refunds or returns could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition
- 27Acquisitions subject us to risks, including assumption of unforeseen liabilities and difficulties in integrating operations
- 28We may be obligated to indemnify the purchasers of businesses pursuant to the terms of the relevant purchase and sale agreements
- 29Our balance sheet includes significant amounts of goodwill and intangible assets. The impairment of a significant portion of these assets would negatively affect our results of operations
- 30Existing or future leverage may harm our financial condition and results of operations
- 31An increase in interest rates may negatively impact our operating results and financial condition
- 32Our results of operations may be adversely affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates
Other Fiserv 10-Ks
- FY2025 10-K risk factors36 risks5 new1 dropped8 reworded
Artificial intelligence now creates distinct accuracy, bias, third-party safeguard, litigation, and competitive risks across Fiserv’s products and operations.
Filed Feb 19, 2026
About this page
The headings are the filing's own. The one-line readings and the overview are automated and can be wrong: read Item 1A of the 10-K for the exact wording.