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Transport sector adopts PIX and artificial intelligence to cut costs and prevent frauds

Fast, free, and available 24 hours a day, PIX has established itself as the main payment method in Brazil, recently reaching its all-time usage record. On June 6, 2025, the system recorded 276.7 million transactions in just 24 hours, according to Central Bank data. By the end of 2024, more than 75% of the population was already using PIX more frequently than cash, debit, or credit cards, marking a significant change in the financial behavior of Brazilians.

It couldn't be different in the logistics and road transport sector. Drivers and transport companies are adopting digital payment to make refueling faster, safer, and most importantly, cheaper. The process that previously required physical cards, manual authentications, and settlement deadlines is now completed in seconds through a simple AI-powered app. The technology guaranteestrusted datain transactions, reduces costs, improves operational efficiency, and simplifies payments at fuel stations.

Ricardo Lerner, CEO of the fuel management platform Gasola, highlights that the implementation of AI in the logistics sector brings agility and reliability to transportation companies' operations. "Automatic reading of information will soon make manual entry unnecessary. With automatic data cross-referencing, we can identify typing errors and refueling in unauthorized vehicles, as well as generate more consistent reports to support transportation companies' decision-making."

The transformation promoted by artificial intelligence is already reflected in concrete gains in logistics operations. Companies that adopted AI in their operations report more agile processes, greater control, and reduced operational costs. A study by consulting firm McKinsey & Company indicates that the use of artificial intelligence can generate up to 15% cost savings in logistics, especially through the optimization of management and real-time data analysis. Furthermore, the 2024 Commercial Transport State Report identified a 40% decrease in road accidents among companies that incorporated AI-based technologies, also demonstrating positive impacts on road safety.

The CEO emphasizes that, in addition to logistics, this advancement allows for more competitive pricing and greater control for the fleet manager. "Through pre-negotiated values and upfront payments when refueling, the system offers prices below those practiced, eliminating the interest generated by fleet cards, which traditionally pay the stations within 30 to 35 days," explains the executive.

AI, including, also proves useful in protecting against fraud such as odometer tampering, unauthorized vehicle fueling, or incorrect charges. We use AI to cross-reference, in real time, the data provided during refueling with images recorded at the time of the operation. The system requires the driver to send photos of the pump, the truck, the license plate, and the odometer reading, as well as a picture of themselves. This set of information is processed automatically, drastically reducing the possibility of fraud," says Ricardo Lerner.

The expectation is that efficiency gains will become even greater with the arrival of new functionalities to the PIX ecosystem and the adaptation to AI tools. Our platform has evolved significantly with investment in AI. Gradually, the system has been becoming increasingly efficient and receivingfeedbacks"users' positives," concludes the CEO.

Trend for the second semester: Technology gains importance among management challenges, says Robert Half

Technology advanced from 7th to 4th place among the main concerns of managers in the second half of 2025, according to theRobert Half Confidence Index (RHI)The movement shows that the ability to understand technological evolutions and apply them strategically is seen as a driver of competitiveness. Alongside profitability (42%), talent retention (41%), and productivity (41%), the smart use of technology is likely to be at the center of business leadership decisions in the coming months.

The survey, which interviewed decision-makers from companies of various sizes and sectors across Brazil, shows a reorganization of priorities in the second half of the year, without losing focus on the fundamental themes of people management. The attraction of professionals, for example, remains among the top 10 challenges, which reaffirms its relevance, even if temporarily resized in the face of other pressures in the business environment.

"Managers who can engage teams and prioritize the right initiatives become key players in the success of companies. The combination of focus on results, talent appreciation, and smart use of technology is decisive in achieving goals consistently," says Maria Sartori, market director at Robert Half.

The increasing appreciation of technology among business leaders reinforces the need to stay updated in the face of constant transformations, such as process automation, the use of artificial intelligence, and new productivity tools. The trend points to a market where technology and human talent go hand in hand, with a direct impact on organizational performance.

The top 10 concerns of managers for the second half of 2025, according to ICRH:

  1. Profitabilitygenerate more value, spending less (42%)
  2. Retentionnot to lose good professionals to the market (41%)
  3. Productivity:fulfill obligations more efficiently (41%)
  4. Technologyunderstand the evolutions and use them to your advantage (30%)
  5. Remunerationto have competitive salaries and benefits (29%)
  6. Well-beingpromote mental health and quality of life (26%)
  7. Careerdevelop and offer growth opportunities (24%)
  8. Attractionattract suitable professionals to the company (20%)
  9. Market information:impacts of politics and economics on business (13%)
  10. Working models:adapting and evolving in the adopted model (11%)

Pix 2.0: installment-based, automatic, and inclusive for a Brazil with more credit

Pix, the instant payment system, has not only revolutionized the way Brazilians conduct financial transactions but is also rapidly expanding. After reaching the impressive milestone of 227 million transactions in a single day in September 2024, according to Central Bank data, the system has been advancing since then with new functionalities that are expected to directly impact retail, credit, and access to digital services.

This year, two new features began to be released: Automatic Pix, ideal for recurring payments such as subscriptions and monthly fees; and Near Field Communication (NFC) Pix, which eliminates the need to open the banking app to make payments. Starting in September, the Installment Pix will begin to be implemented, followed by the Guaranteed Pix, scheduled for 2026/2027.

The new era of recurring payments

The Automatic Pix function promises to be a practical and inclusive alternative, especially for consumers who do not have a credit card. With it, it will be possible to schedule monthly payments for services such as gyms, subscription TV, streaming platforms, schools, and health plans, with automatic debit directly from the account.

For retailers, the function promises not only to expand the audience served but also to reduce default rates, as payments will be automatically and automatically debited directly from the customer's account.

Installment plan without a card

The Installment Pix, one of the most anticipated features, will allow consumers to make purchases on credit even without having a credit card. The operation will be carried out based on a pre-approved limit by the bank, with the total amount being immediately transferred to the retailer and the payment divided into installments with interest. In practice, it functions as an alternative to traditional installment plans, with the advantage of occurring directly within the banking environment. For the resource to be available, merchants need to be integrated into an enabled payment environment, such as SaqPay, a platform for digital payment solutions.

Pix in credit and digital inclusion

Fintechs and digital banks tend to quickly adopt these solutions, driving retail sales and offering more affordable alternatives to consumers. Although credit cards still dominate, Pix is expected to gain ground with lower costs for merchants and greater convenience for the public. The main challenge will be technological integration, but the sector is already prepared for this new phase of Pix consolidation in the financial ecosystem.

Challenges for internationalization

The expansion of Pix for international transactions still faces regulatory and technical obstacles. The first challenge is that each country needs to assess its payment policies to enable local financial institutions to adopt new technologies like Pix. Only after this stage will foreign banks be able to access the APIs provided by the Central Bank of Brazil. Additionally, it will be necessary to address currency conversion issues, as it has not yet been decided whether transactions will be processed in reais with subsequent conversion or directly in the local currency. Currency standardization and interoperability between systems will be key points for the viability of international Pix.

A new consumption behavior

With the arrival of functions like recurring Pix, installment payments, and proximity payments, experts point to a significant change in consumer behavior. The Brazilian is quick to adopt practical solutions. With these updates, Pix is strengthened as a comprehensive system that goes beyond transfers and consolidates its role as a key player in the country's financial ecosystem.

LGPD completes seven years and transforms the landscape of personal data processing in Brazil

The General Data Protection Law (LGPD) celebrates seven years in Brazil in a context where data protection already impacts various aspects of the economy, transforming the way personal data is handled. At the same time, the framework established a new era of governance, security, and transparency in the handling of personal information.

"More than a regulatory instrument, the LGPD established a new level of privacy protection in Brazil, directly influencing corporate strategies and society's awareness of the use of personal data," says Carla do Couto Hellu Battilana, partner in the Cybersecurity & Data Privacy department at TozziniFreire Advogados.  

Since the LGPD was enacted, we have seen several changes in how data protection is viewed in Brazil. Among the most significant milestones in the past 7 years is Constitutional Amendment No. 115/2022, which recognized the protection of personal data as a fundamental right, alongside guarantees such as freedom of expression and human dignity. "This recognition brought more legal security for citizens and companies, as well as shielding the legislation from setbacks," explains Battilana.

Another advancement was the maturity in the application of legitimate interest as a legal basis for data processing, which now includes additional clarifications in the Guide published by the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD). "By establishing clearer parameters, the ANPD contributed to balancing the needs of companies with the preservation of the rights of data subjects," said Battilana.

The regulation of international data transfer marked another important step. Resolution CD/ANPD No. 19/2024 established specific rules for standard contractual clauses and technical security measures. "Today, companies rely on a series of rules to ensure that data remains protected, regardless of the destination country," emphasizes Battilana.

According to Battilana, the supervision and enforcement of sanctions by ANPD have become more frequent and structured, especially after Resolution CD/ANPD No. 4/2023, which established criteria for the sizing of penalties. "The more active presence of authority is raising the maturity of organizations and the effectiveness of the law."

The publication of Enunciado CD/ANPD nº 1/2023 relaxed the requirement of consent as a legal basis for the processing of data of children and adolescents, provided that the principle of the best interest of the minor is respected. "The change does not reduce protection, but offers legitimate alternatives for cases where consent is not the most appropriate path," says Battilana.  

In the field of technology, the ANPD has been gaining prominence in discussions about artificial intelligence by launching asandboxregulatory and actively participate in the debates of Bill No. 2,338/2023, which could make her the national coordinator for AI governance. "The intersection between AI and data protection is inevitable and requires increased attention so that innovation progresses hand in hand with security and privacy," evaluates Battilana.

With advances in data protection, awareness of cyber risks and the importance of incident reporting are increasing in the country, a fundamental measure to mitigate damages. Resolution CD/ANPD No. 1/2024 also helped by establishing clear protocols for companies to report incidents to the authority and data subjects.  

"Looking at the future of LGPD means keeping up with trends such as the advancement of artificial intelligence, the integration of international data protection standards, and the sophistication of cyber threats. A constantly evolving scenario that requires updating and commitment from all involved parties," emphasizes Battilana.

TAKAO launches official store on Shopee and expands its presence in the digital auto parts market

A TAKAO, a brand of engine components exclusively sold by Goop Distribuidora and a reference in the automotive repair market, strengthens its presence in e-commerce with the launch of itsOfficial store on Shopeemarketplace that connects sellers and consumers. The partnership expands customers' access to the company's over 8,000 catalog items, with convenience, efficiency, and security. At the same time, it strengthens the presence of the brand's distributors in the digital environment through the expertise and solutions of one of the leading companies in the sector, contributing to expanding coverage and operational profitability across the entire country.

Aware of the strategic importance of online sales for commercial success, TAKAO has been investing in expanding its presence on e-commerce platforms, as explained by the marketing director, Clarissa Pinelli: "E-commerce platforms are becoming increasingly popular among repairers due to the convenience offered in acquiring replacement components. Therefore, it is essential to have a robust online infrastructure that guarantees a quick, easy, and secure purchase."

Accessed monthly by one-third of the Brazilian population, Shopee is also, according to Sensor Tower, the shopping app with the highest average browsing time per user. "These data prove the importance of the channel for the segment," comments the executive. We understand that having an official store on the platform is essential for our business objectives, especially given the growing importance of the channel among consumers.

According to Shopee data, auto parts sales on the platform increased by over 80% between 2023 and 2024. "The online auto parts market is constantly growing, and TAKAO's arrival on Shopee further expands the auto parts offerings, catering to an increasingly connected and demanding car enthusiast audience. With this new development, we reinforce our commitment to providing a simple and secure shopping experience," says Felipe Lima, Shopee's business development head.

As the official store of Shopee, TAKAO has access to social commerce solutions, including Shopee Live, a live streaming tool, and Shopee Videos, the platform's short video feature, as well as Shopee Ads and Retail Media solutions. The brand can also benefit from double date campaigns – such as 08/08, 09/09, and 10/10 – which offer even more benefits for consumers and help boost sales and engagement on the platform.

When accessing the addressshopee.com.br/m/takao, the user finds the complete catalog of components provided by the brand's distributors. When creating your store, the partner receives the "TAKAO Authorized Reseller" badge, which ensures more trust and security for the consumer at the time of purchase.

US$ 642 million: Airbnb is used for Auto Settlement of Properties

The net profit ofUS$ 642 millionand the rise of13% In Airbnb's revenue for the second quarter of 2025, even in a global scenario of high interest rates and geopolitical instability, they reinforce a trend already observed by industry watchers: the vacation rental market remains strong and resilient. Only in 2024, Brazil moved approximatelyR$ 14.5 billion in short-term accommodations, according to sector data, with an average annual increase of12,3%in search of properties through platforms like Airbnb. This performance, combined with an appreciation of up to27% per yearin strategic regions, such as São Paulo, Balneário Camboriú, and João Pessoa, reinforces the potential of the model ofautomatic settlement, in which the revenue generated from seasonal rentals is used to pay installments for properties acquired with structured credit.

The growth of the vacation rental market has attracted the attention ofreal estate companies and institutional investorsthat already recognize the potential of this modality. Many of these companies are increasingly attentive to the combined modelhigh profitability and cash generation, turning rent into a tool ofself-financingIn this context, theCapital ReferenceIt stands out by structuring operations that enable property purchases in Brazil, focusing on profitability and asset protection for high-net-worth Brazilians living abroad. "These Airbnb numbers reinforce the growing trend we observe in the market. With well-located properties, good curation, and efficient management, it is possible to generate a recurring income capable of paying off the asset, without relying on monthly own capital," says Pedro Ros, the company's CEO.

The demand for this type of solution is increasing. Only in 2024 did the demand for short-term rental of residences increase.43%in the first quarter, compared to the same period of the previous year, surpassing the growth of13,5%of traditional residential rent. The seasonal rental proves to be a more profitable and strategic alternative. The self-settlement model, in addition to being financially viable, allows for efficient management of asset risk. The monthly return can vary between0.8% and 1.4%, easily surpassing traditional rents, which hover around0.4% per monthWhen combined with the appreciation of real estate, which can reach12% per year, the total return on investment exceeds the20% annually, becoming one of the most attractive options in the current real estate market. For the CEO, Airbnb's strong performance sends a clear signal to investors: "Even with high interest rates and market volatility, vacation rentals continue to grow because they directly respond to the new consumer behavior. This creates real opportunities, especially for those outside the country who want to monetize capital with solid assets in Brazil."

Stripe begins offering Pix in Brazil in partnership with EBANX

THEEBANX, a global technology company specializing in payment services for emerging markets, extended the four-year partnership with theStripe, a programmable financial services company, to expand the range of payment methods in Brazil. Companies using Stripe to process international payments can now accept payments from Brazilian customers via Pix and process transactions in Reais, with settlement available in their local currency.

Our partnership with EBANX is important to expand the reach of Stripe users in Brazil, the largest market in Latin America. In today's global commerce, offering the most effective payment options is often as important as what is being sold. Customers prefer payment methods they know and trust, which directly impacts financial results. Our research showed that companies using Stripe and offering at least one relevant payment method besides cards increased revenue by 12% and improved conversion by an average of 7%., statedKrishnan Rajagopalan, Global Director of Expansion, Strategy, and Incubation Partnerships at Stripe.

An analysis by EBANX based on data from the Payments and Commerce Market Intelligence (PCMI) research institution, the World Bank, and the Central Bank of Brazil revealed similar conclusions: by offering local payment methods in international transactions, global e-commerce companies can reach twice as many consumers in Brazil compared to using only international acquirers. Internal EBANX data also shows that global companies that started accepting Pix experienced a 16% increase in revenue and a 25% growth in the number of consumers in just six months.

Working with Stripe to offer Pix was the natural way. There are 60 million people in Brazil who do not have a credit card. Meanwhile, 93% of Brazilian adults use Pix, and by the end of this year, the use of this method is expected to surpass credit cards in online shopping, according to projections by PCMI published in the EBANX study.Beyond Borders 2025In short, our partnership with Stripe strengthens the participation of Brazilian consumers and businesses in the global economy., statedJohn Del ValleCEO and Co-founder of EBANX.

Both companies directly integrated with Stripe and those using global e-commerce management platforms operating on Stripe's infrastructure can now offer Pix for international transactions.

B2B companies (business-to-business), which sell to other companies, also benefit from conducting transactions via Pix. The system offers security and facilitates high-value payments. According to the Beyond Borders 2025 study, Pix already accounts for 51% of online sales value between companies, more than double the e-commerce transactions for consumers, which amount to 20%. The Bank Slip (Boleto Bancário) ranks second, accounting for 25% of the value of online B2B transactions in Brazil.

LAST DAYS. Free program aiming to turn research into innovative businesses is open for applications until August 13

The registrations for the fourth edition close this Wednesday, August 13.Hangar Programinitiative of the Pro-Rectory of Research and Graduate Studies of PUCRS (Propesq), in partnership with Tecnopuc. The program will select project ideas led by master's and doctoral students from Graduate Programs at Higher Education institutions and connect them to PUCRS's innovation ecosystem, aiming to explore business opportunities based on research. Registrations are free and can be made throughprogram site.   

The initiative aims to awaken the entrepreneurial spirit of master's and doctoral students by providing weekly contact over three months through lectures and workshops with industry professionals, networking with entrepreneurs, practical activities, and mentorship with individual guidance for each project.  

The program is divided into tracks to assist the researcher in the exploration journey of their research business opportunity. The entrepreneurial development pathways are offered as necessary stages of the program, consisting of different methods used for understanding and integrating the research project into the context of market innovation.

The program will have in-person and online activities, with a certificate for those who participate in 75% of the activities and present the final pitch. Among the topics to be covered in the program are: Innovation Ecosystem, Intellectual Property, Access to Capital, and Business Model.

To participate in the Hangar selection process, the participant must provide a brief description of their project idea, explain its objective, and assess its potential for market application.  

Award 

The master's and doctoral students who achieve the highest scores in their final project presentations will win registration and tickets to participate in an entrepreneurship and innovation event, participation in Tecnopuc's startup development program, and a coworking space at Tecnopuc.

Service 

What:Registrations for the Hangar 2025 Program

Until when:August 13

Where to register: program site

Polyglot and fluent in slang: delivery chatbot increases foodservice sales by 76%

A Natural Bot, a Brazilian startup specialized in artificial intelligence for the foodservice sector, is revolutionizing delivery service with CoPiloto, a sales assistant based on Generative AI that automates orders, interactions, and payments via WhatsApp.

Unlike traditional chatbots, CoPiloto understands texts, audios, regional slang, abbreviations, and foreign languages as diverse as Polish, for example. "If someone asks for a 'breja', they understand it as 'beer' and proceed with the service," exemplifies Rafael Coffani, founder and CEO of Natural Bot.

In this way, the Co-Pilot reduces virtual queues, optimizes service, and makes the shopping journey more accessible and smooth. For the consumer, this means less waiting and more convenience. For restaurants, more sales with financial predictability and operational efficiency, since technology also processes payments and automatically issues the service order.

With over R$2 million invested, the solution has already shown significant results: restaurants using CoPiloto have experienced an increase of up to 76% in conversion rates compared to conventional service systems. According to Coffani, the Co-Pilot solves one of the biggest bottlenecks in WhatsApp delivery: the limitation of human customer service. "Without automation, it is difficult to maintain a quality standard, scale sales, and offer a seamless experience," he states.

Delivery apps have dominated the foodservice sector in recent years, but dependence on these platforms has been causing dissatisfaction among entrepreneurs and restaurant owners. Intermediation fees, which can exceed 30% per order, combined with the loss of control over the customer base, have led restaurants to rethink their sales strategies. In this scenario, the use of WhatsApp with artificial intelligence as a direct and automated channel for customer service and sales gains strength.

"We are offering a new shopping experience for consumers and a scalable solution for restaurants. Our focus is to drive business sustainably. CoPiloto has everything to become the new standard in Brazilian delivery," concludes Coffani.

Natural Bot's goal is to reach 1,700 active accounts by the end of 2025 and surpass 15,000 by the end of 2026, establishing conversational AI as the new standard for customer service and sales in the foodservice industry.

How are companies preparing to combat fraud and protect consumers on Black Friday?

In 2025, Brazilian e-commerce is expected to set another record. But what comes along with this avalanche of orders and clicks is also concerning. We are talking about the increase in digital fraud.

The Brazilian Association of Electronic Commerce (ABComm) projects a revenue of R$ 224.7 billion for the sector this year, 10% more than in 2024. There will be around 435 million orders and 94 million consumers browsing, shopping, and (sometimes) taking risks on virtual storefronts. All of this in a market that has been growing uninterruptedly for eight years.

Dates like Cyber Monday, Father's Day, Christmas, and even continuous sale periods require, more than ever, prepared and secure platforms. The so-called "hot seasons" in retail make the year's final stretch not only a strategic warm-up for promotions but also for fraud attempts.

Black Friday is scheduled for November 28. And if, on one hand, promotions boost the digital economy, on the other hand, they also open the doors wide for scammers. But growth comes at a cost. And it's not just financial.

The 2024 edition has already shown signs of what to expect. According to ConfiNeotrust and ClearSale, only until noon on the Saturday following Black Friday were 17,800 fraud attempts recorded. Estimated value of blocked attempts? R$ 27.6 million. The average ticket for scams is impressive: R$ 1,550.66, more than triple the average value of a legitimate purchase.

And the preferred targets? Games, computing, and musical instruments.

Even with a 22% decrease in the total value of frauds compared to the previous year, experts are categorical: digital criminals remain active and more sophisticated.

Meanwhile, PIX is triggered. On the last Black Friday, transactions with the instant system jumped 120.7% in a single day. R$ 130 billion were moved, according to the Central Bank. A historic achievement. But which also worries.

More speed, more access, more immediacy, more vulnerabilities. And not all platforms are prepared for that. Slowness, instability, and security breaches become the perfect gateway for those on the other side—attentive and opportunistic fraudsters.

These flaws directly affect the user experience and the brands' reputation. A PwC study reveals that 55% of consumers would avoid purchasing from a company after a negative experience, and 8% would give up on a purchase after a single unfavorable incident.

"Digital security is not a final step. It is an ongoing process that begins before the first line of code," summarizes Wagner Elias, CEO of Conviso, an application security (AppSec) specialist.

To protect e-commerce software, the application security (AppSec) sector — which is expected to reach $25 billion by 2029, according to Mordor Intelligence — works to identify vulnerabilities before they become real problems.

The goal of AppSec is to identify security gaps before they are exploited by intruders. Elias compares it to building a house: "It's like constructing a house while already thinking about access points: you don't wait for someone to try to break in before installing locks or cameras. The idea is to anticipate risks and strengthen defenses from the start," explains Elias.

And the CEO warns that ideally, companies should constantly review their platforms to identify and fix potential security breaches, creating a continuous culture of protection. The fundamental is to offer a real guarantee for both the product and the consumer, strengthening trust in the platform and the entire purchasing process. And this is only possible with preparation that begins months before the date.

One of the solutions that can support e-commerce in this process is Site Blindado, now part of Conviso, an application security company and a reference in AppSec. The trust seal operates at different levels, serving everything from online stores that need basic protection to those requiring greater proof of authenticity, or even more rigorous certifications such as PCI-DSS, which is required for those handling credit card data.

Those who take security seriously reap results. Visa, for example, blocked 270% more frauds in 2024 compared to the same period last year. This was only possible thanks to a robust investment: over $11 billion in technology and security in the last five years.

The key? Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time behavior analysis. Everything in milliseconds. Without bothering the actual consumer, who just wants to ensure the discount at checkout.

Prevention starts at the grassroots. But how to protect yourself? "The recommendations are clear and involve both companies and consumers," reinforces the CEO of Conviso.

Tips for companies:

  • Include security already in the system development phase;
  • Perform penetration tests (pentests) frequently;
  • Integrate protection tools into your DevOps without losing agility;
  • Train technology teams with a focus on good security practices;
  • Create a culture where safety is routine, not an exception.

And for the consumer who shops online:

  • Stay away from deals that are too good to be true;
  • Check if the website is trustworthy (https, security seals, CNPJ, etc.);
  • Prefer platforms and apps that are already well-known;
  • Avoid links received via email or social media — especially from strangers;
  • Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.

"While consumers need to learn to recognize warning signs, companies have a duty to provide secure environments. It is the combination of the two that sustains trust in the platforms and keeps the market healthy," concludes Elias.

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