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A leading payments industry news source for more than 17 years. Glenbrook curates the news and keeps you abreast of the important daily headlines in payments.
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May 29, 2026
On the web
Brazil Nixes Settlement for Stablecoin eFX
Global Finance Magazine
"Banco Central do Brasil (BCB) has banned fintech and payment providers from settling overseas payments in stablecoins or crypto. The BCB is implementing new rules regarding its electronic foreign exchange (eFX) policy, which governs how payment institutions and e-money issuers provide cross-border services. Its immediate effects, when the new rules go into effect on Oct. 1, will be the return of bank spreads, correspondent fees, and settlements in days rather than minutes."
May 13, 2026
On the web
Brazilian Payments Network Elo Selects Banks for Potential US IPO
Global Data
"Brazilian payments company Elo Servicos has selected banks to support a potential initial public offering (IPO) in the US, Bloomberg reported. Equally owned by Banco Bradesco, Banco do Brasil and Caixa Economica Federal, Elo competes with global card networks such as Visa and Mastercard in Brazil. The company launched in 2011 with the intention to reduce fees paid by Brazilian banks to global payment networks."
May 11, 2026
On the web
Boku Gets Brazil License to Launch Pix Recurring Payments by 2026
IBS Intelligence
"Boku, a local payment solutions provider, has received Payment Institution authorisation from the Central Bank of Brazil (BCB) to support Latin America’s fast-evolving digital economy. The licence empowers Boku to operate as both a Payment Initiator and E-money Issuer, enabling the company to actively participate in Brazil’s Open Finance framework and offer advanced Pix-based capabilities, including Pix Automático, by early 2026."
May 7, 2026
On the web
The New (And Strict) Controls of Pix
Finsiders Brasil
"On April 23rd, the Central Bank (BC) published Resolution BCB No. 559. The new rule adds to the BC's recent efforts to provide greater security to the to the instant payment system, particularly in light of fraud cases in the second half of 2025. The resolution provides for the exclusion of participants, mandatory audits, and the summoning of representatives by the Central Bank."
May 4, 2026
On the web
Brazil’s Central Bank Bans Stablecoin and Crypto Settlement in Cross-Border Payments
CoinDesk
"Brazil’s central bank banned electronic foreign exchange (eFX) providers from using stablecoins and other cryptos (like Bitcoin) to settle overseas remittances, effective October 1. The ban applies to fintechs and payment firms, closing the back-end payment rail for cross-border flows, but individual crypto investors can still buy and hold assets. EFX payments must now use foreign exchange transactions or non-resident real accounts. Unauthorized firms must apply for BCB approval by May 2027."
April 10, 2026
On the web
Latam Insights: Global Pix, Mercado Libre Ends Token
Crypto News
"The Central Bank of Brazil has revealed its next steps to keep improving and growing Pix, the ubiquitous instant payment system used by almost all adults in the country. According to local media, the Central Bank plans to launch International Pix, a standard feature that would allow individuals and companies to complete cross-border payments and remittances using the Pix network. While Pix is already available internationally in Argentina, the U.S., and Portugal, this new initiative would make it permanent, interconnecting instant national payment systems and streamlining settlements."
April 6, 2026
On the web
The United States Attacks Pix Again, and Lula Reacts
Finsiders Brazil
"Pix has once again come under scrutiny from the US government led by Donald Trump . A report published by the Office of the United States Trade Representative alleges that the Brazilian instant payment system "disadvantages" US electronic payment service providers. According to the annual US trade the Central Bank will give preferential treatment to the Pix system, to the detriment of other payment systems. This includes, therefore, card brands such as Visa and Mastercard."
March 18, 2026
On the web
Nubank Dominates Credit in Brazil, but Mercado Libre Is Poised to Change the Game
Finsiders Brasil
"Nubank and Mercado Libre together accounted for 36% of the growth in credit card stockover the last 12 months, according to a report to a report by Itaú BBA. Nubank leads in volume and is already highly profitable in this product. Mercado Libre is still losing money on, but analysts say the Argentine company's turnaround is yet to come. And the reason is simple: according to the investment bank, Mercado Libre is building something structurally more powerful in credit than any other digital bank in the country."
March 12, 2026
Top Post
PixRevolution Malware Hijacks Brazil's PIX Transfers in Real Time
Infosecurity Magazine
"A newly identified Android banking trojan capable of hijacking Brazil's instant payment transfers, targeting one of the country's most widely used financial systems, has been uncovered by security researchers. The malware, known as PixRevolution, silently monitors victims' smartphones and redirects funds during PIX transactions, according to a new analysis from mobile security firm Zimperium. The researchers said PixRevolution exploits the speed and irreversibility of those transfers. Once a PIX payment is completed it cannot be reversed, making it an attractive target for financial cybercrime."
March 9, 2026
On the web
Brazil’s Pix Instant Payment System Expands to Argentina
TradingView
"Banco Central do Brasil said it expanded its Pix digital payments system to allow Brazilians living in Argentina to access the service to pay for goods, services and send payments in both countries. The central bank’s instant payments platform is accepted by major crypto platforms and service providers operating in Brazil for fiat onramping, including the Lemon crypto app, Binance Pay, Crypto.com, the Mercado Bitcoin exchange and the Kraken crypto exchange."
January 15, 2026
On the web
Digital Wallets Become the Fastest-Growing Payment Method in Brazilian E-Commerce in 2025, PCMI/EBANX Reports
EBANX
"Digital wallet usage in Brazilian e-commerce surged 20% last year, making it the country’s fastest-growing payment method in 2025, according to an EBANX analysis of Payments and Commerce Market Intelligence (PCMI) data. The Year-over-Year 2024–2025 increase exceeded Pix’s. Brazil’s flagship instant payment system grew 18% over the same period."
December 16, 2025
On the web
EBANX: Six Months After Its Launch, Recurring Pix Is Growing at 41% per Month, Unlocking a New Market for Subscription-Based Global Players
GlobeNewswire News Room
"Six months ago, approximately 60 million potential consumers in Brazil were mostly unreachable for subscription-based services, from video and music streaming to design and marketing platforms. The country’s Central Bank launched in June a new feature to allow consumers to make this type of payment through Pix, Brazil’s instant payment system used by 95% of the adult population and the number one method in e-commerce transactions. Called Pix Automático, this feature is expected to continue growing as a subscription payment method, with monthly increases projected at 34% in subscriptions and 41% in volume by its first anniversary."
November 20, 2025
On the web
Central Bank of Brazil Clarifies Rules for Rejecting Transactions Suspected of Fraud
Finsiders Brasil
"The Central Bank [of Brazil] published clarifications regarding the rejection of payment transactions whose recipients are accounts identified as having " founded suspicion of involvement in fraud. According to Communiqué No. 44,253, the responsibility for rejecting suspicious transactions does not lie solely with the institutions where the funds ended up. "Sending institutions must also reject the transfer of funds to the recipient account if there is a well-founded suspicion of fraud," the text states."
November 18, 2025
On the web
Brazil Eyes Taxing Crypto for Cross-Border Payments, Sources Say
Reuters
"Brazil is looking at taxing the use of cryptocurrencies for international payments, two officials with direct knowledge of the discussions told Reuters, closing a loophole in the country's usual levy on foreign-exchange transactions. One of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity about the confidential talks, said the Finance Ministry is looking at expanding its financial transaction tax (IOF) to some cross-border transfers using virtual assets and stablecoins that the central bank classified this month as forex operations."
November 17, 2025
On the wires
Pix to Approach 8 Billion Monthly Transactions as It Marks Five-Year Milestone, Ebanx Study Finds
GlobalNewswire
"Marking its fifth anniversary on November 16, Brazil’s instant payment system, Pix, is on course to surpass seven billion monthly transactions for the first time, potentially reaching 7.9 billion in December. In this month, holiday shopping typically drives peak volumes—an expected 15% increase from September. This growth is expected to push Pix’s total transaction volume in 2025 to USD 6.7 trillion. No other instant payment system worldwide has achieved this milestone so quickly—not even India’s real-time payment method, UPI."
October 23, 2025
On the web
Brazil Shelves Digital Currency—for Now
Funds Society
"After two phases (which involved several banks and consortia), the Drex project was rolled back and will now launch in 2026, in an initial version without blockchain, focused on infrastructure for reconciling credit liens—that is, systems to centralize records and legal restrictions affecting assets used as collateral in financial operations."
October 22, 2025
On the web
New Hacker Attack via Pix Hits Tech Company and Could Reach R$40 Million
Finsiders Brasil
"Fraudsters hacked into the systems of Diletta, a company specializing in white-label software for the financial sector; FictorPay was one of the affected institutions."
October 17, 2025
On the web
Banks Will Have to Reject Transfers and Payments to Accounts Suspected of Fraud; Rule Is Now in Effect and Changes Pix Security [Brazil]
CPG Click Petróleo e Gás
"In September 2025, the Central Bank of Brazil (BCB) required banks, fintechs and digital wallets to automatically reject payments and transfers to accounts classified as suspected of fraud. The regulation is already in force and marks a new stage in the security policy of the national financial system. Each financial institution is now obliged to integrate its monitoring systems with the central register of suspicious accounts maintained by the Central Bank."
October 3, 2025
On the web
Hacker Attacks Force Central Bank to Curb Pix Innovations
Finsiders Brasil
"Recent hacker attacks have led the Central Bank ( BC ) to slow down Pix's innovation agenda and adjust its priority agenda. At the top of the list now is the "regulation of intermediaries" in the instant payment system. Initiatives such as Pix Installments , MED 2.0 , and hybrid billing (" bolepix ") continue to advance in the coming months. However, the regulator is postponing the development of solutions such as Pix as collateral and Pix duplicate payments until the 2026/27 biennium."
October 1, 2025
On the web
Pix Will Have a “Dispute Button” for Cases of Scams and Fraud
Finsiders Brasil
"Amid the rise in scams and fraud, Pix continues to evolve on the security front. Starting this Wednesday (October 1st), Brazilians will have access to the " dispute button " in the apps of the financial institutions where they hold accounts. The feature, known in the market as the Special Return Mechanism ( MED ) self-service, will allow users to dispute transactions in cases of fraud , scam, or coercion."
September 24, 2025
On the wires
EBANX Enables Pix Recurring Payments for Hotmart, Leading to a 32-Point Retention Increase
PR Newswire
"Hotmart, a global technology company and leader in digital business in the Creator Economy, announced strong performance results following the adoption of Pix Automático, Brazil's new recurring feature within the real-time payment system Pix. Integrated through EBANX, a global fintech specializing in payments for emerging markets, Pix Automático has been live on the Hotmart platform since June 16, the first day of the feature's operations."
September 8, 2025
On the web
Central Bank Flags Security Gaps in Payment System After Hacks [Brazil]
Valor International
"Brazil’s Central Bank has completed an investigation into the vulnerabilities that enabled three hacker attacks on institutions operating at the core of Pix, the country’s instant payment platform. It is now preparing a set of measures to prevent further criminal incursions. The issues were found in three main areas: payment institutions operating without prior authorization from the Central Bank; weaknesses at IT service providers, known as PSTIs, that connect smaller banks to the payment system; and the use of pooled accounts, where client funds are moved without individual identification."
August 25, 2025
On the web
'New Voucher Track': The Transformation of Corporate Benefits [Brazil]
Finsiders Brasil
"Since August 1st, the Brazilian corporate benefits market has entered a new phase with the implementation of the so-called 'new voucher rail ." This model broke with the traditional logic of closed networks and established a system of open arrangements. Under this model, issuers and acquirers must interoperate. This is a milestone that promotes a more integrated, competitive, and innovation-friendly ecosystem, structurally changing the dynamics of the sector."
August 21, 2025
Top Post
Pix Under Fire: U.S. Challenges Brazil’s State-Led Payment Revolution
The Rio Times
"The United States Trade Representative (USTR) launched an investigation in July 2025 into Brazil’s fast-growing payment system Pix. Washington acts on complaints from the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), a group representing major U.S. technology and financial firms. The ITI argues that Brazil’s central bank plays a double role by both regulating and running Pix, creating unfair competition for private players."
August 15, 2025
On the web
Central Bank of Brazil Has a Plan to Migrate Companies From Ted [Transfers] to Pix
Finsiders Brasil
"Pix quickly became popular for transfers between individuals. It's expected to gain traction in payments between individuals and businesses with this year's launches—Pix by Contactless and Pix Automatic...Among the security initiatives, MED 2.0 will go live in early 2026. MED stands for Special Return Mechanism, a tool created by the Central Bank to facilitate the return of funds transferred via Pix in proven cases of fraud."
August 13, 2025
On the web
Brazil’s Drex CBDC Project Pivots Away From Blockchain, Tokenization
Ledger Insights
"DREX was always part of an open finance push by the Banco Central do Brasil, and it will remain so. But the focus of the next phase of work is now far narrower – for brokers to enable clients to use assets – stocks, bonds and others – as loan collateral. So it’s now a lien reconciliation project that will use neither blockchain nor decentralization technologies, but will integrate with PIX, Brazil’s successful retail instant payment system."
August 11, 2025
On the wires
Stripe Users Can Now Accept Pix in Brazil via Ebanx
PR Newswire
"EBANX, a global technology company specializing in payment services for emerging markets, has deepened its four-year partnership with programmable financial services company Stripe to expand coverage of Brazilian payment methods worldwide. Businesses on Stripe can now offer Pix, the popular instant payment method developed by the Central Bank of Brazil."
August 7, 2025
On the web
Pix Did Not ‘Cannibalize’ Cards, Says BC President
Finsiders Brasil
"The most widely used payment method in Brazil, Pix cannot be considered a rival to cards, nor has it "cannibalized" them. Quite the contrary: the banking and financial inclusion enabled by the instant payment system have contributed to a surge in annual growth in transactions with debit, credit, and prepaid cards."
dlocal Revolutionizes Pix Payments in Brazil With Smartpix, Enabling Unique ‘Pix on File'
dLocal
"dLocal, the leading cross-border payment platform specialized in emerging markets, announced the launch of SmartPix, a groundbreaking payment solution that enables merchants in Brazil to process tokenized Pix payments, including recurring and on-demand charges, without requiring customers to manually authorize each transaction."
July 30, 2025
On the web
Boku Secures Payment Institution License by Central Bank of Brazil
FX News Group
"Payment solutions provider Boku has been granted a Payment Institution license by the Central Bank of Brazil (BCB). This authorisation enables Boku to operate as a Payment Initiator and E-money Issuer, positioning the company to participate in Brazil’s evolving Open Finance ecosystem as a Payment Initiator Service Provider (PISP) – a key step toward enabling seamless Pix payments without redirection (JSR). With this licence, Boku is on track to make Pix Automático available to merchants in early 2026."