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 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, and with it, new regulatory challenges have emerged, mainly 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 development of digital applications and platforms, the new functionality expands the potential of Pix, but also the regulatory complexity of the system.
“The Central Bank will have to ensure that the environment remains safe, competitive, and accessible. This means facing major challenges related to security, interoperability, and consumer protection. The success of Pix is due, in part, to the proactive and collaborative regulation adopted by the Central Bank. With Automatic Pix, this model needs to continue improving, in constant dialogue with banks, fintechs, companies, and consumers,” he explains.
Next, Renan points out three essential regulatory pillars for the success of the new feature:
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 complete transparency regarding authorized debits, can easily revoke permissions, and are protected against improper charges or scams.
Regulation will need to be even more rigorous regarding authentication, use of personal data, and real-time notifications. The challenge is to balance usability, Pix's main differentiator, with layers of protection that do not inhibit 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 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. Furthermore, the entry of new players, such as fintechs, digital wallets, and contactless payment companies, increases the complexity of the landscape and demands 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 dispute charges.
The Central Bank, in conjunction with agencies such as Procon (Brazilian consumer protection agency) and the Ministry of Justice, should strengthen transparency standards, require explicit consent, and implement dispute mechanisms that do not leave consumers unprotected.
“The arrival of Pix Automático is an important step in consolidating a more modern, competitive, and digital payment system. But its success will depend on the regulatory capacity to keep pace with innovation responsibly, ensuring a balance between technological freedom and systemic protection,” he concludes.
