
From Treasury Masterminds
Brazil’s central bank is rolling out Pix Automático on June 16, 2025, a recurring-payments feature for the ultra‑popular Pix instant‑payment system. Since Pix launched in late 2020, it has outpaced cash, debit, and credit cards—handling over 26 trillion reais (~US $4.6 trillion) in transactions in 2024. Now, with Pix Automático, Brazilian consumers can authorize everything from utility bills and gym memberships to digital subscriptions with a single one‑time consent
Analysts forecast that this could channel at least US $30 billion in e‑commerce payments over the next two years. It also represents a big win for financial inclusion: roughly 60 million Brazilians without credit cards can now tap into subscription‑based services
A European Counterpart: Wero Steps In
In Europe, the Wero digital‑wallet initiative—developed by the European Payments Initiative (EPI)—is positioning itself as a unified, sovereign alternative to US‑dominated payment networks Launched in July 2024 in Germany, it quickly expanded to France and Belgium, and is entering the Netherlands in 2025
While Pix is already offering recurring payments, Wero currently supports only person‑to‑person (P2P) transfers via phone numbers or QR codes. It plans to support subscriptions, e‑commerce, and POS payments through 2026–2027. Thus, Pix leads in recurring payment capabilities—but Wero is steadily catching up, with an eye on European unity and financial autonomy
Competitive Positioning: Pix vs. Wero
Feature | Pix Automático (Brazil) | Wero (Europe) |
Live Date | June 16, 2025 | Rolled out P2P mid‑2024; subscriptions in 2025–2026 |
Recurring Payments | Yes | Planned for 2025 |
Integration with businesses | Via Pix‑enabled banks & fintechs like PagBrasil | Through EPI banks, merchants, Worldline, and Revolut soon |
Scope | Instant‑debit subscriptions | P2P now → subscriptions/e‑commerce next |
Coverage | National; expanding internationally | Pan‑European rollout |
Brazil’s centralized approach has enabled Pix to move faster and capture full recurring‑payment coverage. Wero is building its capabilities through a coalition of banks and fintechs, aiming for cross‑border scale.
What Corporate Treasurers Should Know
1. Lower friction in collections
For Brazilian firms—especially SaaS, utilities, and subscription‑based businesses—Pix Automático simplifies recurring billing dramatically. No more “boletos” or complex direct‑debit arrangements; just one upfront consent.
2. Enhanced cash flow predictability
Automated debits help reduce payment delays and defaults—crucial for forecasting liquidity. According to industry estimates, recurring payments via Pix could increase collection volumes by up to 30% versus one‑off slips or QR codes
3. Better inclusivity
Brazilian companies can now serve nearly 60 million consumers who lack credit cards but can use Pix—expanding market reach significantly .
4. European treasury analogies
European treasurers should monitor Wero’s rollout. While some banks and partners like Revolut and Worldline are already integrating Wero for P2P and e‑commerce recurring payments aren’t live yet. But when they arrive, Europe’s treasurers may face similar options and benefits.
5. Strategic advantage & resilience
For multinationals operating in both regions, tie‑ins with Pix and Wero can reduce reliance on global card networks and cut cross‑border payment costs. In Brazil, Pix is already a third‑party‑free system; in Europe, Wero is the stepping stone to greater payment sovereignty.
Outlook: Already Ahead—or Close Behind
- Pix: A proven success, ecosystem‑wide recurring mandate, inclusive for unbanked or credit‑card‑free users.
- Wero: Slower start, but rapid progression. With full rollout of subscriptions and merchant integrations expected in 2025–26, Europe’s digital‑sovereign wallet is within sight.
Corporate treasurers should:
- In Brazil: Integrate Pix Automático immediately to streamline recurring collections and support inclusion.
- In Europe: Begin sandboxing Wero’s future capabilities—especially recurring payments and e‑commerce—while continuing card and bank‑debit channels.
- Globally: Build hybrid treasury architectures that leverage instant payments like Pix and Wero to optimize cost, speed, and payment sovereignty.
In payment innovation, Pix has sprinted ahead—and Wero, though a late entrant, is coming in strong. Smart treasurers will track both closely.
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