Since its implementation in 2020, Pix has radically transformed the Brazilian financial ecosystem. With instant transactions, free for individuals, and operating 24 hours a day, the model has streamlined banking operations, boosted financial inclusion, and positioned Brazil among the most advanced countries in digital payments. Now, with the launch of Automatic Pix in June 2025, a new chapter has begun, bringing new regulatory challenges, especially regarding security, interoperability between institutions, and consumer protection.
According to Renan Basso, business director and co-founder of the MB Labs Group, an ecosystem of companies specializing in consulting and developing applications and digital platforms, the new feature expands Pix’s potential, but also the regulatory complexity of the system.
“The Central Bank will have to ensure that the environment remains secure, competitive, and accessible. This means facing significant challenges related to security, interoperability, and consumer protection. The success of Pix is partly due to the proactive and collaborative regulation adopted by the BC. With Automatic Pix, this model needs to continue to improve, in constant dialogue with banks, fintechs, companies, and consumers,” he explains.
Next, Renan highlights three essential regulatory pillars for the success of the new feature:
Security and fraud prevention
The agility of Pix has always raised concerns about cybersecurity. With the new update, the risk intensifies as recurring payments require continuous trust between parties. It is essential to ensure that users have full transparency about authorized debits, can easily revoke permissions, and are protected against unauthorized charges or scams.
Regulation will need to be even stricter regarding authentication, use of personal data, and real-time notifications. The challenge is to balance usability, the great differential of Pix, with layers of protection that do not inhibit its adoption.
Interoperability among institutions
One of the strengths of Pix is its universality, meaning any participating institution can send and receive funds. In the case of Automatic Pix, it will be necessary to ensure that companies 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 continuous supervision by the Central Bank. In addition, the entry of new players, such as fintechs, digital wallets, and proximity payment companies, increases the complexity of the scenario and requires dynamic and updated regulation.
Consumer protection and contractual clarity
With the ease of authorizing recurring payments, there is a risk of abusive practices or poorly explained contracts. The regulatory challenge here is to ensure that the consumer understands exactly what they are authorizing and has simple means to reverse or dispute charges.
The Central Bank, together with entities such as Procon and the Ministry of Justice, should strengthen transparency rules, require explicit consent, and implement dispute mechanisms that do not leave the consumer unprotected.
“The arrival of Automatic Pix is an important step in consolidating a more modern, competitive, and digital payment system. However, its success will depend on the regulatory capacity to keep up with innovation responsibly, ensuring a balance between technological freedom and systemic protection,” he concludes.
