Experts analyzed how Mexico is transitioning from traditional banking to digital payment ecosystems powered by AI, flexible regulation, and a strong focus on the user.
A coffee with a taste of the future
At Lampuga restaurant in Mexico City, 2innovate hosted the panel “Migrating from Traditional Banking to Next-Generation Payment Ecosystems” as part of its Innovation Espresso series. The discussion was moderated by Luis Bartolini, columnist at El Economista and Fortuna.
The guest speakers included Claudia Núñez Sañudo (Fintech México), Pablo Pereyra Portugal (2innovate), José Antonio Quesada (National Association of Independent Directors), and Arne Schrenk (Accenture).
From slow payments to instant transactions
Pablo Pereyra Portugal compared the days-long wait once required to pay an electric bill with the immediacy of a child downloading a video game today. That contrast reflects the social pressure for real-time payments.
Examples like PIX in Brazil and Banred in Ecuador show how instant deposits are transforming the lives of consumers and small businesses. For a corner store, receiving payments immediately can mean having working capital available and achieving financial stability.
Mexico as a regional hub
Claudia Núñez Sañudo emphasized that Mexico has 1,100 fintechs, 803 of them local. While the number of companies grew only 4% in 2024, revenues jumped 31%, a sign of maturity.
The SPEI system processed 5.337 billion transactions — equivalent to 6.5 times the national GDP. These figures confirm Mexico as a regional innovation hub, capable of attracting capital and talent.
She warned, however, that financial inclusion remains the biggest challenge: up to 50% of the population is still unbanked. Including more people not only improves financial well-being but could also boost GDP by up to 2%.
Regulation: achievements and gaps
José Antonio Quesada acknowledged progress such as the 2018 Fintech Law, CODI, and the first steps toward open banking. However, significant gaps remain:
- Open banking and true interoperability are still pending.
- Cryptocurrency regulation and a potential digital peso are on hold.
- Cloud adoption remains uneven and faces regulatory hurdles.
“Less regulation but better regulation,” Quesada summarized, noting that excessive rules can hinder the sector’s competitiveness.
AI and extreme personalization
Arne Schrenk highlighted how artificial intelligence will enable what he calls the Bank of Juan: “each customer will have their own tailor-made bank.”
AI will allow institutions to:
- Detect fraud in seconds.
- Personalize financial products.
- Improve risk management.
- Make internal operations more efficient.
Frame Banking™, 2innovate’s ace
The Frame Banking™ platform helps banks and fintechs launch new services in weeks instead of years. For example, CencoPay in Chile was implemented in just 14 weeks — something unimaginable for traditional banks.
“Financial transformation in Latin America is already a reality. Placing the transaction at the center is key to serving users,” said Pablo Pereyra Portugal.
Looking ahead
Panelists agreed that:
- Bank branches will be minimal, focused only on complex operations.
- Payments will be embedded in daily life, nearly invisible.
- Biometrics will become a cornerstone of digital trust.
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To learn more about 2innovate and Frame Banking™, visit www.2innovateit.com.