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, spurred financial inclusion, and positioned Brazil among the most advanced countries in digital payments. Now, with the launch of Pix Automático, in June 2025, a new chapter has begun, and with it, new regulatory challenges have arisen, primarily with regard to security, interoperability between institutions, and consumer protection.
According to Renan Basso, business director and co-founder of theMB Labs Group, the ecosystem of companies specialized in consulting and development of applications and digital platforms, the new functionality expands the potential of Pix, but also the regulatory complexity of the system.
“O Banco Central terá de garantir que o ambiente permaneça seguro, competitivo e acessível. Isso significa enfrentar grandes desafios relacionados à segurança, interoperabilidade e proteção ao consumidor. O sucesso do Pix se deve, em parte, à regulação proativa e colaborativa adotada pelo BC. Com o Pix Automático, esse modelo precisa continuar se aprimorando, em constante diálogo com bancos, fintechs, empresas e consumidores”, explica.
Next, Renan points out three regulatory pillars essential for the success of the new functionality:
Security and fraud prevention
The speed of Pix has always raised concerns about cybersecurity. With the new update, the risk intensifies since a recurring payment requires ongoing trust between the parties. It is essential to ensure that users have full transparency regarding authorized debits, can revoke permissions easily, and are protected against unwarranted charges or scams.
Regulation should be even more stringent regarding authentication, use of personal data and real-time notifications. The challenge is to balance usability, the main differentiator of Pix, with layers of protection that do not hinder its adoption.
Interoperability between institutions
One of Pix's strengths is its universality, that is, 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 rules for integration, and ongoing supervision by the Central Bank. Moreover, the entry of new players, such as fintechs, digital wallets, and contactless payment companies, increases the complexity of the landscape and requires dynamic and up-to-date 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 contest charges.
The Central Bank, together with bodies such as Procon and the Ministry of Justice, should strengthen transparency standards, require explicit consent, and implement mechanisms for contestation that do not leave the consumer unprotected.
“A chegada do Pix Automático é um passo importante na consolidação de um sistema de pagamentos mais moderno, competitivo e digital. Mas seu sucesso dependerá da capacidade regulatória de acompanhar a inovação com responsabilidade, garantindo equilíbrio entre liberdade tecnológica e proteção sistêmica”, finaliza.
