Paulo Picchetti also stated that the Brazilian digital currency, Drex, has a ‘series of nodes’ to make it viable, in a process that he said is not linear
The director of International Affairs and Corporate Risk Management at the Central Bank, Paulo Picchetti, defended Pix this Monday (06), after new criticism from the American government of the payment tool. “Whoever speaks badly about Pix has interests that are not those of the Brazilian population”, stated the director to journalists when asked about the subject after an event at Fundação Getúlio Vargas, in Rio de Janeiro.
Picchetti also stated that the Brazilian digital currency, Drex, has a “series of nodes” to make it viable, in a process that he said is not linear. The director cited the reconciliation between “reliability and scalability” of digital currency as the biggest challenge.
The director’s position comes after the release of a report from the United States, released on Tuesday (31), which points out the Pix systemo bill for internet platforms and the taxes on express orders
“Pix is from Brazil, and no one is going to make us change Pix because of the service it is providing to Brazilian society”, defended the president.
Last year, the United States indirectly criticized the Brazilian payment system by opening an investigation into commercial practices considered “unfair” in the country. Among the points raised were electronic payment services operated by the government, in reference to Pix.
The vice-president, Geraldo Alckmin (PSB), also defended Pix. “Pix is a success. There is no problem in relation to Pix. Just clarify”, he said in a conversation with journalists this Thursday (2) when saying goodbye to the department. Alckmin does not need to leave the vice-presidency, but he needs to leave the ministry to run for office in this year’s election.
Colombia asks for Pix
The United States’ newest criticism of PIX, however, is not welcomed by other countries. Colombia, for example, asked for the payment system. The president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, asked Brazil to extend the Pix instant payments system to the country and once again criticized the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions list.
In a publication on X, Petro stated that the tool “is no longer a weapon against drug trafficking” and that, according to him, organized crime “mocks” the list.
Argentina has already implemented the system. On March 6th, the . The service can also be used by non-account holders of the financial institution.
*With information from Reuters
