Recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, which have begun to include Pix in trade debates with Brazil, have drawn attention to a topic that goes beyond a specific payment system. By questioning digital models developed and operated by monetary authorities, the discourse reinforces a broader discussion on competition, regulation, and the role of national financial infrastructures in an increasingly digital global environment.

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This stance also appears in official U.S. government documents, which point to concerns over the fact that Pix is a solution created and regulated by the Central Bank. According to the assessment presented in early April, there is a risk of preferential treatment for domestic systems, with potential impacts on the competitiveness of international financial service providers. Although the topic is part of a broader trade and regulatory agenda, the Brazilian instant payment system has ended up in the spotlight as an example of this dynamic.

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For Cristiane Quartaroli, chief economist at Ouribank, despite the controversy, the direct impact of these statements tends to be limited. "The remarks have more of an effect on risk perception than on the operation itself. In the short term, they can generate noise and some volatility, especially if accompanied by trade threats, such as tariffs or sanctions," she says. According to her, this type of move can affect exchange rates and domestic assets, but it does not alter the system's fundamentals.

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This is because Pix has already established itself as the country's primary payment infrastructure. With over 150 million users, the system combines instant settlement, low cost, and broad accessibility—factors that have driven rapid adoption across different segments of the population. "Confidence tends to recover quickly because there is strong institutional backing and massive public support," the economist says.

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Beyond user convenience, the impact of Pix extends to the economy as a whole. The digitization of payments contributes to reducing the use of physical cash, expands formalization, and increases transaction traceability. At the same time, it promotes financial inclusion for a significant portion of the population.

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In this context, the system also takes on a strategic dimension. By reducing dependence on international private infrastructures, the Brazilian model fits into a broader trend of strengthening national solutions. "This type of initiative ends up inspiring other countries. It is not a matter of significant operational risk, but a dispute for space in the global financial system," says the Ouribank chief economist.

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From payments to data: the new layer of the financial system

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It is precisely within this dispute for space that the advancement of Open Finance gains relevance in the country, expanding the reach of the transformations initiated by Pix and adding a new layer to the financial system: data. By allowing the standardized sharing of financial information between institutions—always with the customer's consent—Open Finance changes the sector's operating logic by stimulating greater competition, reducing information asymmetries, and encouraging the offering of more personalized and efficient products.

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"We are moving toward an environment with more competition between banks and fintechs, which tends to generate more efficient solutions and a better customer experience," says Cristiane Quartaroli, chief economist at Ouribank.

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In practice, this translates into improved credit allocation, with decisions that are more precise and aligned with each client's risk profile, while also expanding access to financial services. It also lowers barriers to entry, creating a more dynamic environment where different institutions compete on a more level playing field.

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The next steps for this model point toward even deeper integration between payments, credit, and financial services. The trend is toward a broader scope of data, greater interoperability between platforms, and the development of increasingly integrated financial journeys with less friction for the user. "The combination of Pix and Open Finance places Brazil among the most advanced financial systems in the world in terms of digital infrastructure," says the economist.

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According to her, this integrated ecosystem strengthens the business environment by reducing barriers to entry, increasing efficiency in credit allocation, and improving the user experience. In this environment, the role of banks is also being transformed. Traditional intermediation is giving way to a more consultative and integrated approach, where the ability to interpret data, offer tailored solutions, and ensure operational security becomes central.

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It is in this context that having financial partners who not only keep pace with these changes but have the experience to translate them into practical solutions becomes so important. With over 40 years of experience, Ouribank combines market knowledge, institutional stability, and personalized service to support clients and companies in an increasingly dynamic landscape.

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By integrating technology, expertise, and a personalized approach to every transaction, the bank positions itself as a facilitator in this new financial environment—connecting innovation to real-world needs with security, efficiency, and agility.

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