Drex, also known as the Digital Real, is one of the initiatives included in the Central Bank’s innovation agenda, alongside Pix and Open Finance, with the goal of transforming and positioning Brazil as a global benchmark in digital payments. Significant progress is already underway.
I will not elaborate on Pix, as its adoption among the population is already well established. According to Central Bank data, Pix transactions in 2024 totaled more than BRL 26 trillion, representing a 54% increase over the previous year. In 2024, more than 63 billion transactions were carried out via Pix, marking a 52% increase compared to 2023. These figures clearly demonstrate the remarkable success of this initiative.
Drex will also enhance the benefits of a digitized economy by enabling more secure financial transactions through smart contracts. Supported by a robust infrastructure that reduces risks and improves efficiency, Drex leverages distributed ledger technology to enable secure transactions with digital assets. This means that the platform integrates asset tokenization and property transfers—going far beyond being just another digital currency.
With asset tokenization, for example, selling a property or vehicle will be significantly more secure, as the technology enables automatic transfer of ownership once payment is completed—all within a digital environment. This is just one example of the convenience and speed Drex will bring to Brazilians once fully implemented, which is expected in 2025.
Another important innovation is its impact on stablecoins—cryptocurrencies whose value is pegged to another asset. With Drex, these coins could revolutionize payments between companies in different countries, streamlining international transactions while reducing costs and settlement times.
From a business perspective, Drex will drive the demystification of blockchain and accelerate advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). More than ever, fintechs should focus on delivering practical solutions with tangible benefits, such as enhanced security, transparency, and operational efficiency, to simplify customers’ daily lives and deliver differentiated experiences. The growing exploration of AI-powered solutions underscores the technology’s importance in automating tasks and improving effectiveness.
Drex represents a significant step forward in the digitalization of Brazil’s economy, fostering advancements in security, financial inclusion, and operational efficiency. Just as Pix has become an integral part of everyday life, Drex is poised to achieve widespread adoption and become a success story, positioning Brazil among the world’s most advanced countries in digital payments.
