Since its implementation in 2020, Pix has radically transformed the Brazilian financial ecosystem. With instant transactions, free for individuals, and operating 24/7, the model streamlined banking operations, boosted financial inclusion, and placed Brazil among the most advanced countries in digital payments. Now, with the launch of Pix Automático in June 2025, a new chapter has begun, bringing new regulatory challenges, particularly regarding security, interoperability between institutions, and consumer protection.
According to Renan Basso, business director and co-founder of Grupo MB Labs, an ecosystem of companies specializing in consulting and developing digital apps and platforms, the new feature expands Pix’s potential but also the regulatory complexity of the system.
“The Central Bank will need to ensure the environment remains secure, competitive, and accessible. This means tackling major challenges related to security, interoperability, and consumer protection. Pix’s success is partly due to the proactive and collaborative regulation adopted by the BC. With Pix Automático, this model must continue evolving through ongoing dialogue with banks, fintechs, businesses, and consumers,” he explains.
Next, Renan highlights three essential regulatory pillars for the new feature’s success:
Security and fraud prevention
Pix’s speed has always raised cybersecurity concerns. With the new update, risks intensify since recurring payments require continuous trust between parties. It’s crucial to ensure users have full transparency about authorized debits, can easily revoke permissions, and are protected against unauthorized charges or scams.
Regulation must be even stricter regarding authentication, personal data usage, and real-time notifications. The challenge is balancing usability—Pix’s key advantage—with protective layers that don’t hinder adoption.
Interoperability between institutions
One of Pix’s strengths is its universality—any participating institution can send and receive funds. For Pix Automático, it will be essential to ensure businesses can operate with clients from different financial institutions in a standardized and efficient manner.
This level of interoperability requires technological standardization, clear integration rules, and ongoing Central Bank oversight. Additionally, the entry of new players like fintechs, digital wallets, and proximity payment companies increases the scenario’s complexity, demanding dynamic and updated regulation.
Consumer protection and contract clarity
With the ease of authorizing recurring payments, there’s a risk of abusive practices or poorly explained contracts. The regulatory challenge here is ensuring consumers fully understand what they’re authorizing and have simple means to dispute or reverse charges.
The Central Bank, alongside bodies like Procon and the Ministry of Justice, must strengthen transparency rules, require explicit consent, and implement dispute mechanisms that don’t leave consumers unprotected.
“The arrival of Pix Automático is a significant step toward consolidating a more modern, competitive, and digital payment system. But its success will depend on regulatory capacity to responsibly keep pace with innovation, balancing technological freedom and systemic protection,” he concludes.
