In an era of rapid digital transformation and financial innovation, cross-border payments have never been more essential - yet they remain inherently complex. This complexity stems from the multi-layered nature of these transactions, involving numerous intermediaries, regulatory frameworks, and outdated infrastructures. Consequently, cross-border payments are defined by what we call the ‘cross-border trifecta’ — three fundamental pillars that define their efficiency: cost, speed, and transparency.

In the last decade the cross border payments market has evolved significantly, with  advancements in technology and the entry of new market players. However international money transfers remain complex, particularly for the wholesale banking and B2B sectors, which account for 98% of cross-border transactions.

Latin America today is positioned as a relevant player in terms of technology among emerging economies, with a major undergoing digitalization process and a GDP that accounts for 6% of the global total. However, this growth has also been accompanied by an increase in the region's exposure to virtual crimes.

Designed to increase transparency and competition, Open Finance promises greater efficiency in the financial sector, ultimately benefiting consumers and businesses by lowering transaction costs and enhancing convenience, making structural changes in financial services worldwide. In Brazil, this initiative is well underway, with the potential to reshape the financial services landscape through a wealth of new data and insights.

Despite Latin America's large population and economic potential, the insurance market remains underdeveloped compared to global standards. The insurance penetration rate, which is the ratio of insurance premiums to GDP, stands at 3.0% for the region, well below the global average of 6.8%​.

In the face of an unprecedented environmental crisis, the urgency to combat climate change has never been greater. According to the 2024 Financing for Sustainable Development Report, the financing and investment gap required to meet the sustainability goals is estimated to be between USD 2.5 trillion and USD 4 trillion annually. Regenerative Finance (ReFi) emerges as a possible response, positioned at the intersection of blockchain technology, environmental resilience and social equality. Although still in its early stages, ReFi holds the potential to represent a transformative approach to finance by aligning financial interests with sustainable practices, increasing capital flow for impact projects. This article explores the evolving landscape of ReFi and the business opportunities developing from this growing field.

The financial industry has evolved significantly, introducing new technologies, business models, and products. However, its core structure remains centralized, with a few organizations holding significant control and economic power. This centralization stems from the need to maintain stability and trust within the economy. Yet, this model also has downsides, such as limiting innovation, high costs, and concentrated power.

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are digital forms of a nation’s currency issued by central banks. They come in two main types: wholesale CBDCs for interbank transactions and retail CBDCs accessible to the public. The implementation of CBDCs, although lacking a uniform global framework, significantly enhances financial system efficiency by reducing cash handling costs, optimizing public bond issuance, and improving financial inclusion and anti-money laundering efforts. This movement is strongly tied to blockchain's influence, particularly in developed countries where maintaining monetary sovereignty is a primary driver.

Tokenization is the process of creating a digital representation (token) of an asset on a blockchain. These assets can range from real estate and art to data, identity, and financial instruments like treasuries or equities. A token signifies ownership and acts as a foundational element for various solutions.