Payment solutions provider Boku has been granted a Payment Institution license by the Central Bank of Brazil (BCB).

This authorisation enables Boku to operate as a Payment Initiator and E-money Issuer, positioning the company to participate in Brazil’s evolving Open Finance ecosystem as a Payment Initiator Service Provider (PISP) – a key step toward enabling seamless Pix payments without redirection (JSR).

With this licence, Boku is on track to make Pix Automático available to merchants in early 2026.

With this move, Boku can help millions of Brazilians, including those without credit cards, make secure, seamless recurring payments for streaming, subscriptions, and digital goods. This supports Brazil’s push toward digital-first payments and greater financial inclusion.

Pix, launched by the Brazilian Central Bank in 2020, is now the most popular payment method in Brazil. The payments system is used by more than 76% of adults and is especially favoured by younger consumers banking with digital-first platforms like Nubank.

Pix Automático launched in June 2025 to meet growing consumer demand for convenience. It enables recurring payments for services like streaming and subscriptions.

Boku is now authorised as a Payment Institution in Brazil, covering Payment Initiation and E-money Issuance. This authorisation is a prerequisite for future participation in Pix and Open Finance, positioning Boku to expand its capabilities in the market once further approvals are obtained.

Stuart Neal, CEO, 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, 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.”