COGNICURRENT

Financial inclusion is low in Mexico, presenting growth opportunities for banks to integrate more people into the formal banking system, according to Felipe García of Santander Mexico.

The Mexican Banking Association emphasizes the importance of responsibility for new entrants in the banking sector amid increasing competition and regulatory scrutiny.

DolarApp, a global financial services platform, has raised US$70 million in funding and rebranded as ARQ to expand its offerings beyond international transactions.

LHV Bank is undergoing leadership changes with Erki Kilu set to replace Kadri Kiisel, reflecting a shift towards competition with digital platforms rather than traditional banks.

Argentina's Central Bank has introduced a new installment payment mechanism for digital wallets to enhance competition with banks in personal financing.

Traditional banks are increasingly focusing on consolidating their digital strategy to adapt to technological trends and user needs.

The RBI has ordered banks to remove dark patterns from mobile apps and websites by July 2026, focusing on issues like hidden charges and misleading notifications to enhance transparency in digital banking.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mandated banks to eliminate misleading practices from their apps to enhance transparency in digital banking by 2026.

Greek banks are aggressively targeting younger generations with tailored financial products to compete against foreign digital banks that have garnered a significant clientele.

The introduction of the digital euro could cost European banks between 4 and 6 billion euros over four years, according to a European Central Bank official.

A study shows that customers with checking accounts at local banks in rural areas of Germany often pay higher fees than those in urban areas, particularly for digital payments.

Traditional banks in France are increasingly offering 100% online banking services to compete with digital banks like BoursoBank and Revolut.

Private banks in Ecuador will provide limited services during the carnival holiday, ensuring customers can perform various transactions via ATMs, non-bank correspondents, and digital banking.

Fintech companies in Argentina express discontent after the government retracts a proposal allowing salary payments through digital wallets, capitulating to pressure from traditional banks.

Brazilian banks will be closed for in-person services during Carnival from February 16 to 17, 2026, but online transactions will remain available.

The article discusses the challenges faced by banks and financial institutions in Latin America as they navigate the growing trend of digital payments while managing cash usage, digitalization, financial inclusion, and operational efficiency in 2026.

The 'Clarity Act' draft restricts interest payments on stablecoins, sparking outrage in the digital sector and halting its approval in the Senate.

Italian MEP Guido Crosetto emphasizes Italy's strong position on key issues like automotive, green housing, and digital euro during an event in Limone Piemonte.

British digital bank Revolut has rapidly gained 65 million customers in just ten years, posing a significant threat to traditional banking institutions, particularly in Germany.

The British digital bank Revolut has rapidly grown to 65 million customers in just ten years, posing a significant threat to traditional banks, particularly in Germany, according to CEO Nik Storonsky.

Analysts warn that the European banking sector could lose over 200,000 jobs in the next five years due to the accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence and the closing of branches, pushing banks to cut costs and shift operations to digital channels.