Since its launch in 2020, Pix has revolutionized the Brazilian financial market, becoming the preferred payment method for millions of people. Its main advantage lies in simplicity and speed: it allows real-time transfers, 24 hours a day, without the need for a card machine or cash. Just have a bank account and a PIX key, like CPF or phone number, to start using. This practicality brought benefits, especially, for those who receive payments, as small traders and freelancers, that can operate without additional costs or technical complications
However, despite its popularity, Pix still faces challenges to be fully accessible. For whom it pays, a smartphone and internet access are necessary, what can be a barrier for the elderly, people with low education or residents of rural areas. Although the use of smartphones and internet coverage have grown significantly, the inclusion of these groups still requires efforts, such digital education campaigns and improvements in connectivity infrastructure. The implementation of solutions that allow offline transactions, using encryption and tokenization technologies, it can be a way to broaden access. Systems like Google Pay and Apple Pay already do this, allowing payments to be initiated without the payer's active connection, using the recipient's internet connection
Safety is also a constant concern. Since the first cases of express kidnappings and robberies involving instant transfers, theThe Central Bank reacted quickly, imposing limits on nighttime transactions e neste mês introduziu um limite de R$ 200 para dispositivos novos ainda não cadastrados como autorizados no aplicativo do banco (isso só vai aplicar para dispositivos que não estavam em uso antes de 01/12/2024). Although these measures have reduced the occurrence of crimes, they also imposed restrictions that affect the experience of legitimate users. The search for solutions that maintain security without sacrificing usability remains a challenge
Another critical point is the scams related to prepayment, in which fraudsters receive the payment and disappear without delivering the promised product or service. TheSpecial Return Mechanism (SRM)it was created to deal with these situations, allowing refunds in proven cases of fraud. Although still little used, the MED represents an important advance, inspired by the credit card chargeback system, and it needs to be more widespread to gain users' trust
A solution that could further transform the landscape is the adoption of payments with intermediation, or "escrow". В цій моделі, the amount would only be released to the seller after confirmation of delivery by the buyer. This would bring more security for both parties and would be especially useful in online transactions. Furthermore, the expansion of the use of tokenization in transactions would ensure that sensitive data was protected, even in offline environments, offering an extra layer of security
The balance between accessibility and security is essential for the future of Pix. Solutions that integrate technologies such as biometrics, tokenization and intermediation can expand the reach of the system without compromising user protection. Digital inclusion, in turn, it is essential to reduce fraud, raising awareness and empowering more people to use Pix safely
On the horizon, Pix still has a lot to offer. Contactless payments, installment payment and automatic debit are already in development in Brazil, and already in operation in similar systems abroad, like systems such as India's UPI and Singapore's PayNow. International integration is also a possibility, with theNexus Project, Bank for International Settlements (BIS)proposing a multinational interface model to facilitate global remittances
Pix is already an example of innovation and efficiency, but to continue leading, needs to constantly evolve. Invest in new technologies, expanding access in less connected areas and strengthening security are essential steps to ensure that all Brazilians can enjoy their benefits with confidence and peace of mind
