In 2026, the financial management of Brazilian retail begins operating in a scenario of greater complexity and digital maturity. Technologies once considered differentiators—such as integrated digital payments and artificial intelligence—become part of the operational routine, while the transition of the Tax Reform starts to generate practical effects on prices, contracts, and cash flow. In this context, financial efficiency and control become central factors of competitiveness.
“Retail enters 2026 pressured by tighter margins and greater control requirements. Technology ceases to be a support and becomes a structural part of financial management,” comments Reginaldo Stocco, CEO of vhsys, a technology company specializing in online business management solutions.
Digital payments, already widely adopted, enter 2026 in a phase of operational consolidation. Pix, contactless payments (NFC), and digital wallets come to concentrate the majority of transactions in both physical and online retail, requiring merchants to have full integration with financial management systems. The centralization of receivables, automatic reconciliations, and fee control becomes essential to preserve margins and avoid losses in transaction volume.
Artificial intelligence (AI), in turn, ceases to be applied only analytically and begins to support everyday financial decisions. In 2026, AI-based tools are used to forecast demand with greater accuracy, adjust inventory levels, support pricing policies, and identify financial deviations in real time. “The practical use of AI helps reduce waste, improve margins, and provide greater cash flow predictability, in addition to supporting fraud prevention,” highlights Reginaldo.
With the advancement of the Tax Reform, 2026 marks the beginning of the practical adaptation period to the new rules, with direct impacts on financial management. The coexistence of different tax models and the need for simulations, price adjustments, and review of fiscal processes require more prepared management systems. ERPs and automated solutions become fundamental to reducing errors, ensuring compliance, and providing visibility into the effects of taxation on business results.
The expansion of omnichannel retail continues to pressure financial management in 2026. The integration between online and offline sales requires stricter cash flow control, payment reconciliation, and resource allocation. Companies that cannot consolidate this information face difficulties in reacting quickly to changes in demand and operational costs.
Finally, consumer financial education gains relevance in an environment with multiple payment methods, digital credit, and instant installments. In 2026, retailers that offer more transparency, guidance, and financial control tools tend to strengthen customer relationships. “Helping consumers better understand their financial choices also contributes to reducing defaults and increasing loyalty,” concludes the CEO.
