In the wake of Visa's announcement to acquire Prisma Medio de Pagos and Newpay from Advent Financial Group in Argentina, the company's plans hit a significant roadblock in Mexico. The Mexican National Antitrust Commission (CNA), led by Andrea Marván, has rejected the idea of Visa purchasing a 51% stake in Prosa, a company that processes over 60% of electronic payment transactions in the country. This rejection stems from concerns regarding monopolistic practices that could arise from such a merger.

The antitrust authority argued that allowing the merger could have detrimental effects on the Mexican financial system and to consumers who utilize financial services. They highlighted that Visa's acquisition of Prosa would eliminate a direct competitor in the electronic payments sector. Visa, being a major player in payment processing, poses a significant threat to market competition, and consolidating its influence through the merger with Prosa could hinder innovation and drive up costs for users.

This decision reflects a broader scrutiny of mergers and acquisitions in the financial sector, particularly in regions where market concentration can stifle competition. With Visa's plans stalled in Mexico, the implications point towards a need for firms to navigate regulatory challenges carefully as they pursue expansions in the highly competitive landscape of electronic payments. This situation in Mexico may serve as a cautionary tale for similar transactions in other markets, encouraging a comprehensive evaluation of potential monopolistic consequences before proceeding with acquisitions.