Nium, the Singapore-based global infrastructure for real-time cross-border payments, has announced that the Central Bank of Brazil has formally authorized it to operate as a Payment Institution (PI), representing a major milestone in the firm’s continued expansion across Latin America.

Nium said in a statement last week that this authorization enables the firm to offer locally regulated payment accounts and services in Brazil, including PIX, TEDs, boletos, and the issuance of prepaid cards once operational.

While Nium already supports Brazilian customers through its global licenses, this local license allows the company to onboard and serve them directly from Brazil.

This will streamline operations, enhance the customer experience, and accelerate the growth of domestic and cross-border pay-in and payout capabilities.

It also reduces reliance on intermediaries, offering greater autonomy and efficiency in the Brazilian market.

“Securing regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Brazil validates our commitment to building deeply local solutions in the world’s fastest-growing markets,

“This license gives us the foundation to deliver seamless domestic and international money movement for businesses in Brazil, doing so with the speed and compliance they expect from a global partner,” said Prajit Nanu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nium.

As part of its next phase, Nium said it is integrating into PIX and finalizing partnerships with local financial institutions to bring its services to market.

The firm also seeks to obtain a foreign exchange (FX) license, further enhancing its local cross-border capabilities and delivering a seamless end-to-end global solution.

It is noted that Brazil is one of the most dynamic real-time payment markets in the world, setting the pace for how money moves locally and globally.

For Nium, expanding local capabilities is about aligning with a country that is defining the future of payments.

While USD continues to drive a significant share of business to business (B2B) Swift transactions globally, more than 95 percent of all payments processed by Nium are now settled over local rails.

In Brazil, that means faster, more efficient transactions for clients, with the added benefit of lower costs and greater transparency.

This new license also marks a natural next step in Nium’s sustained investment in Brazil and reinforces long-term commitment to the region, said the statement.

It is noted that Nium’s year-to-date growth underscores this trajectory.

In 2025, Latin American clients account for 18 percent of total transactions processed, a testament to the region’s strategic role in its global network.

“Brazil is not just a market for us, it’s a critical node in our global infrastructure,” said Prajit Nanu, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Nium.

“The country’s leadership in payment innovation, coupled with our ability to connect businesses to domestic rails, makes it a strategic hub for our growth,

“This license is a reflection of our belief in Brazil’s potential and our commitment to enabling seamless, real-time payments for our clients across Latin America and beyond,” he added.

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