Boku gets Brazil license to launch Pix recurring payments by 2026

By Vriti Gothi

Boku, a local payment solutions provider, has received Payment Institution authorisation from the Central Bank of Brazil (BCB) to support Latin America’s fast-evolving digital economy.

The licence empowers Boku to operate as both a Payment Initiator and E-money Issuer, enabling the company to actively participate in Brazil’s Open Finance framework and offer advanced Pix-based capabilities, including Pix Automático, by early 2026.

This regulatory milestone marks a strategic expansion for Boku in Latin America’s largest economy. As digital transformation reshapes Brazil’s payments infrastructure, Boku’s entry as a licensed Payment Institution positions it to deliver seamless, secure, and recurring digital payments, particularly benefiting consumers without access to credit cards and enhancing inclusion within the financial ecosystem.

Pix, introduced by the Central Bank of Brazil in 2020, has rapidly become the country’s most widely adopted payment method. With over 76% of adults and 15 million businesses actively using the system, Pix accounts for 45% of total payments and nearly one-third of all e-commerce transactions nationwide. The system’s real-time functionality, low cost, and ease of use have driven its mainstream adoption, particularly among younger, mobile-first users banking with digital-native platforms.

In June 2025, Brazil launched Pix Automático, extending Pix’s functionality to support recurring payments for services such as subscriptions, streaming, and digital content. This addition is critical in a market where consumer preference increasingly prioritises convenience, transparency, and digital-first experiences.

With its newly acquired Payment Institution licence, Boku is now authorised to offer Pix Automático to its global merchant base, expanding the scope of local payment experiences available to international platforms operating in Brazil. The introduction of recurring Pix payments unlocks frictionless billing and enhanced conversion for subscription-driven businesses, while extending access to previously underserved consumers.

Boku’s new regulatory status aligns with its long-term vision to broaden access to alternative payment methods and support merchants in localising their checkout experiences. As an approved Payment Initiator Service Provider (PISP), Boku is well-positioned to integrate into Brazil’s Open Finance ecosystem and facilitate direct, non-redirect Pix payments streamlining checkout journeys and improving user experience.

Stuart Neal, CEO of Boku, said, “Our mission is to let consumers everywhere pay for what they love in the way they prefer. For merchants, that means offering localised options that unlock new growth. Our commitment to expanding local payment options like Pix Automático shows how innovation can drive financial inclusion at scale. Brazil is setting the pace, and Pix Automático reflects that vision,reaching more users and making everyday payments simpler and more inclusive.”

Ricardo Amaral, VP LATAM at Boku, said, “Brazil is leading a payments revolution, and Boku is proud to help shape its future. This next chapter centres millions of Brazilian consumers—who might not be credit card holders, as well as those who prefer simpler and more secure ways to pay. Pix Automático is our next frontier, and with our new BCB-issued Payment Institution licence, we’re on track to make it available to merchants in early 2026. At Boku, we bring deep expertise in local payments and a commitment to expanding choice. By helping global merchants adopt local payment methods like Pix, we’re turning Brazil’s digital economy into a blueprint for growth across Latin America.”

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