Top News: Key LatAm digital banking and fintech stories this week

Open banking in Brazil: New regulations move ahead
Regulations for open banking in Brazil are moving ahead and will begin phase-in later this year, regulators said this week. The four-stage roll-out should cover the whole financial system by October next year.
Mercado Libre México increases revenues by 81% during COVID-19
Mercado Libre is a clear winner from stay-at-home rules, with revenues spiking in the first quarter of the year. Some 13 purchases are made on the Mercado Libre platform in Mexico, every second, the company says.
Google, Gates Foundation and Omidyar join forces on digital payments
Google, the Gates Foundation, the Omydiar Network, and others are pushing digital payments for developing countries, through a joint foundation called Mojaloop. The group will make a technological system available to governments and central banks, and will advise these entities on the implementation of the system and how to connect with different banks and payments organizations locally.
New data shows accelleration of digital payments thanks to COVID-19
Globally, 45% of people have increased their usage of digital payments channels since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, according to an April study by Capgemini, a consultancy focused on digital transformation. They forecast the trend will continue in the next six to nine months.
Ualá hits rapid adoption in Argentina
In just over a month, PFM startup Ualá has issued almost 140,000debit cards for unbanked people in Argentina, a figure that Pierpaolo Barbieri, its founder, had expected to reach in months, not weeks.
Oyster and Mastercad in alliance to launch an exclusive business card
Sillicon Valey’s fintech based in Mexico presents its first debit card for small businesses, so that they can access financial services. Thus, the new Oyster Mastercard works with contactless technology, faster payments, and uses a PIN instead of a signature to authorize operations.
See also: Digital payments after Covid-19: A flatter curve?
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The key fintech and digital banking news this week
- PayPal’s Mexico move shows banks’ regulatory strength
- Brazilian banks launch APIs, open banking strategies
- Mercado Libre struggles with bad debt in Brazil
- Neon acquires payroll lender; Argentine banks launch digital wallet; Cash usage falls in Latam
- Coffee, banking, and a new sales channel in Bolivia
- With partnerships, fintechs and FIs gain speed and innovation