Torq Play 2026 brought together leaders from the financial ecosystem to discuss the key drivers that will shape the sector throughout the year: from the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence to the maturity of Pix across customer and business journeys.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The event, promoted by Torq, Evertec\u2019s innovation hub, took place on January 28 in S\u00e3o Paulo and was broadcast live on YouTube. More than anticipating trends, the meeting reinforced a key message: 2026 will not be about experimenting for the sake of experimenting, but about scale, efficiency, and measurable impact.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
AI and open innovation only generate value when the foundation is well structured. Reliable data, clear governance, and well-defined business objectives were the common thread in discussions, both on AI-driven personalization and on the evolution of Pix in the daily lives of consumers and businesses.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
And the experts\u2019 message was straightforward: technology without strategy is cost; technology with governance becomes a competitive advantage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the panel moderated by Katia Sala, Corporate Communications Manager at Evertec Brazil, Myle Pontes (CEO of BeOrange) and Gabriela Bassoli (Head of Acceleration and partner at Darwin Startups) highlighted that the convergence between open innovation and AI has moved beyond discourse and now requires disciplined execution.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cTechnology without policy and without governance is cost. With governance, it becomes a differentiator,\u201d said Myle Pontes, arguing that clear policies must be created alongside AI-based solutions \u2014 not afterward.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gabriela Bassoli reinforced the role of open innovation as a bridge between different operational rhythms. \u201cA corporation moves like a ship. A startup is a jet ski,\u201d she summarized, stressing that cultural alignment, clear expectations, and shared goals are essential for partnerships to generate learning and results rather than bureaucracy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The panelists also emphasized that use cases focused on personalization, operational efficiency, and incremental gains remain the fastest paths to capturing value from AI. In this context, Brazil\u2019s experience with digital solutions such as Pix positions the country as an international reference in large-scale technology adoption.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cConsumers are looking for increasingly specific solutions. With data and AI, it is possible to better understand how people consume, decide, and relate to brands,\u201d said Myle, advocating for clear metrics and progressive delivery as a strategy for applying AI to business.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the panel dedicated to payment methods, the consensus was clear: there is no \u201cPix 2.0.\u201d What exists is a continuous evolution path, with gradual improvements that reduce friction, expand usage, and strengthen the ecosystem. Highlights include Tap-to-Pay Pix, Pix Automatic, and discussions around Pix Installments, which is on the Central Bank\u2019s radar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The overall view is one of complementarity, not substitution. Pix coexists with cards, boletos, and other payment methods, expanding coverage and efficiency across financial journeys.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Fernando Campos, Business Development at Evertec Brazil, compared this trajectory to the evolution of credit cards. \u201cPix will continue to incorporate new features over time, just as happened with cards,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reinaldo Alkimim, Product Manager at Evertec Brazil, emphasized the direct impact on user experience: \u201cTap-to-Pay Pix reduces friction at the start of the payment process, bringing the journey closer to what users already know from tapping a card.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pix Automatic also reinforces the payer\u2019s protagonism. \u201cIt is possible to set limits, ensuring that any amount above that will not be automatically debited,\u201d he explained. For receivers, this feature democratizes automatic debit, making it accessible to small businesses such as gyms, schools, and condominiums \u2014 a relevant advance for financial and digital inclusion.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For Fernando, the impact goes beyond efficiency, as Pix has expanded access to the formal financial system, with direct effects on economic and social development.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The overarching message of Torq Play 2026 was unequivocal: 2026 will be the year to turn selectivity into scale.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
This means:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In practice, the challenge lies in combining well-structured partnerships, modular architectures, and integrated teams capable of keeping pace with both the regulatory agenda and the new waves of Pix and applied AI.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Scaling AI and payments is not about doing everything: it is about choosing wisely, measuring impact quickly, and adjusting with agility.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The takeaway for the financial industry in 2026: less hype, more delivery.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The complete recording of Torq Play \u2013 Financial Market Trends for 2026 is available on the \r\nEvertec Brazil YouTube channel<\/a>.\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n