Since its implementation in 2020, Pix has radically transformed the Brazilian financial ecosystem. With instant, free transactions for individuals and 24/7 operation, the model has streamlined banking operations, boosted financial inclusion, and placed 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 with it new regulatory challenges, particularly concerning security, interoperability between institutions, and consumer protection.
According to Renan Basso, Business Director and Co-founder of MB Labs Group, an ecosystem of companies specialized in consulting and developing applications and digital platforms, the new functionality expands Pix's potential but also the system's regulatory complexity.
"The Central Bank will have 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 (Central Bank). With Automatic Pix, this model needs to continue improving through constant dialogue with banks, fintechs, companies, and consumers," he explains.
Next, Renan points out three essential regulatory pillars for the new functionality's success:
Security and Fraud Prevention
Pix's agility has always raised cybersecurity concerns. With the new update, the risk intensifies since a recurring payment requires continuous trust between parties. It is crucial to ensure users have full transparency over authorized debits, can easily revoke permissions, and are protected against improper charges or scams.
Regulation will need to be even more stringent regarding authentication, the use of personal data, and real-time notifications. The challenge is to balance usability—Pix's key differentiator—with protective layers that do not hinder its adoption.
Interoperability Between Institutions
One of Pix's strengths 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 customers from different financial institutions in a standardized and efficient manner.
This level of interoperability requires technological standardization, clear integration rules, and ongoing supervision by the Central Bank. Furthermore, the entry of new players, such as fintechs, digital wallets, and proximity payment companies, increases the scenario's complexity and demands dynamic and up-to-date regulation.
Consumer Protection and Contractual Clarity
With the ease of authorizing recurring payments comes the risk of abusive practices or poorly explained contracts. The regulatory challenge here is to ensure the consumer understands exactly what they are authorizing and has simple means to reverse or dispute charges.
The Central Bank, together with bodies 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 unsupported.
"The arrival of Automatic Pix is an important step in consolidating a more modern, competitive, and digital payment system. But its success will depend on the regulatory capacity to responsibly keep pace with innovation, ensuring a balance between technological freedom and systemic protection," he concludes.
