Latin America is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing regions for cross-border payments. With B2B e-commerce expanding at double-digit rates, companies all over the region are searching for ways to move money across borders faster, cheaper, and with more reliability. From Brazil to Mexico to Argentina, new technologies, shifting regulations, and innovative fintech players are shaking up the industry.

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I want to share some of the key trends shaping B2B cross-border payments in LATAM e-commerce—and how businesses can stay ahead of the curve.

1. Real-time payments go global

Brazil’s Pix and Mexico’s SPEI have already changed the game for domestic commerce. In Brazil, more than 90% of adults use Pix, with billions of transactions processed every year.

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Now the focus is shifting to cross-border real-time payments. Pilots like International Pix, as well as connections between Pix, Argentina, and Uruguay, are showing us what’s possible—instant, 24/7 transfers that could replace slow and costly SWIFT wires. For e-commerce merchants, this means quicker settlements and happier customers.

2. API-first platforms powering B2B payments

Traditionally, sending money across borders in LATAM has been slow, expensive, and hard to track. But API-first platforms are changing that story. With a single integration, fintechs can connect businesses to multiple local payment networks, reducing costs by up to 60% and cutting settlement times from days to just hours.

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For B2B merchants, these platforms make scaling internationally much easier—offering smooth onboarding, built-in FX conversion, and access to localized payment methods.

3. Stablecoins and blockchain step into the mainstream

In countries like Argentina and Venezuela, where local currencies are unstable, businesses are increasingly turning to stablecoins like USDT and USDC. Exchanges such as Bitso are already processing over 10% of U.S.–Mexico remittances using crypto, and players like Ripple and Circle are expanding across the region.

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For B2B commerce, stablecoins bring speed, low fees, and stability in dollar terms—making them especially useful for supplier payments, contractor payouts, and cross-border settlements.

4. Regulation driving innovation

Governments across LATAM are moving toward fintech-friendly regulations. Brazil’s Pix system and regulatory sandbox, Mexico’s Fintech Law, and Colombia’s open finance framework are all pushing innovation forward.

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At the same time, there’s more oversight on crypto and stablecoin providers, with regulators aiming to balance transparency with growth. Overall, businesses can expect a more structured but supportive environment for digital cross-border payments in the years ahead.

5. Alternative payment methods taking over

Credit cards aren’t the main payment choice anymore. Shoppers across LATAM are leaning toward bank transfers, digital wallets like Mercado Pago and PicPay, and even buy now, pay later options.

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For global e-commerce merchants, that means one thing: localizing payments is essential. By partnering with providers like dLocal and Ebanx, businesses can offer Pix in Brazil, Oxxo in Mexico, and wallet payments throughout the region—all while settling in USD.

6. Competition heats up

LATAM’s cross-border payment space is becoming a battleground. Global fintechs like Airwallex, Wise, Stripe, and PayPal are expanding quickly, while local champions such as dLocal and Ebanx are scaling beyond the region. Even traditional players like Western Union and Mastercard are reinventing themselves with digital wallets, cross-border services, and instant transfer hubs.

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For B2B e-commerce, this competition means more innovation and better options than ever before.

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Latin America is one of the most dynamic opportunities in cross-border payments today. Businesses that embrace real-time rails, API-first platforms, and localized payment methods will be able to cut costs and reach millions of new customers.

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The future of payments in LATAM is digital, instant, and without borders.

At Citcon, we’re here to help you localize your checkout, lower costs, and grow your business in LATAM.

Reach out to our team to see how we can support your global expansion.

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