Colombia to Launch Its Own Pix with Brazilian Expertise
Colombia is preparing to transform its financial system with the launch of Bre-B, an instant payment system inspired by Brazil’s Pix.
Set to debut in September 2025, Bre-B is the result of a collaboration between Colombia’s Banco de la República (BanRep) and private sector players, including Credibanco, one of the country’s largest payment processors.
Credibanco has partnered with Dock, a Brazilian fintech that played a pivotal role in developing Pix, to bring this system to life. Unlike Pix, which is managed entirely by Brazil’s Central Bank, Bre-B will operate through a network of private financial institutions.
BanRep has established the system’s framework, but five providers, including Credibanco, will handle its operations. Dock provides the technological backbone for Bre-B, leveraging its cloud-based platform to ensure seamless connectivity between BanRep and financial entities.
Bre-B promises instant transfers within 20 seconds, 24/7, using unique identifiers such as phone numbers or email addresses. Users can register their keys starting in July 2025 through their financial institutions’ apps.
Transactions will initially be free for individuals and financial institutions for three years, after which a nominal fee of $6.46 per transaction will apply. Colombia faces unique challenges compared to Brazil when Pix launched in 2020.
Colombia’s Push Toward Digital Payment Innovation
Over 70% of transactions in Colombia are still cash-based, and digital payment adoption lags behind. However, digital wallets like Nequi and Daviplata have gained traction, with 61% of Colombians now using at least one.
Bre-B aims to bridge gaps between these existing solutions by offering broader interoperability and simplified processes. The system also addresses fraud risks through advanced security measures and user education campaigns.
Credibanco has partnered with AI-driven fraud prevention firm Feedzai to ensure secure transactions across all channels. Bre-B is part of a larger trend in Latin America toward real-time payment systems.
While Mexico’s CoDi has struggled with adoption, countries like Peru and Bolivia are exploring similar initiatives. Bre-B positions Colombia as a regional leader in digital payments, promising financial inclusion and reduced cash dependency.
This initiative reflects how public-private collaboration can modernize financial systems while addressing local challenges. If successful, Bre-B could set a new standard for payment innovation in Latin America.
More: Brazil news in English, every day from The Rio Times.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief