Colombia’s Bre-B digital payment system is transforming access to financial services, connecting rural communities, small businesses and previously underserved populations to the country’s banking network. Just one year after its launch, the platform has reportedly processed more than 1.7 billion transactions and reached over 36 million users.
Digital banking reaches rural Colombia
BOGOTÁ — Colombia is emerging as a Latin American leader in financial inclusion as its national instant payment system, Bre-B, expands access to banking services across the country.
Launched in October 2025 by Banco de la República, Colombia’s central bank, Bre-B enables customers to transfer money instantly between participating banks, digital wallets and financial cooperatives.
By its first anniversary, the system had processed more than 1.7 billion transactions, while over 116 million payment identifiers had reportedly been registered.
Connecting isolated communities
In Colombia’s remote Guainía region, where communities often depend on river transport and traditional banking facilities remain scarce, financial cooperatives are introducing digital payment services.
Local cooperative Cootregua is helping residents access the national payment network without travelling considerable distances to conventional bank branches.
Financial education initiatives are also supporting indigenous communities, explaining digital transactions and financial services in accessible ways.
For families and small businesses previously dependent on cash, instant payments offer improved security, greater convenience and opportunities to participate in the formal economy.
Faster adoption than Brazil’s Pix
Industry analysis suggests Bre-B has experienced exceptionally rapid adoption during its first year.
Payments company EBANX estimates that approximately 83% of Colombian adults have adopted the platform, compared with 65% for Brazil’s Pix during its equivalent first-year period.
The development highlights how interoperable payment infrastructure can accelerate financial inclusion when supported by accessible technology and widespread institutional participation.
New opportunities for small businesses
For Colombia’s merchants, digital payments offer immediate transaction confirmation, reduced dependence on physical cash and improved financial recordkeeping.
Electronic transaction histories may eventually help smaller businesses demonstrate financial activity when applying for credit.
Nevertheless, unreliable internet connectivity, limited digital literacy and continued dependence on cash remain significant challenges.
A financial inclusion model for Latin America
Colombia’s progress comes as governments across Latin America explore greater interoperability between national payment systems.
Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay are examining opportunities to improve cross-border digital payments.
The broader ambition is to create a more connected regional financial ecosystem where affordable financial services are available regardless of geographical location or income.
For millions of Latin Americans, financial inclusion increasingly begins not with a traditional bank branch, but with a mobile phone.
NewsHub Finance | Financial Inclusion | 30 October 2026
Colombia’s Bre-B digital payment system is transforming access to financial services, connecting rural communities, small businesses and previously underserved populations to the country’s banking network. Just one year after its launch, the platform has reportedly processed more than 1.7 billion transactions and reached over 36 million users.
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