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Can Fintech Foster Competition in the Banking System in Latin America and the Caribbean?

Author

Listed:
  • Bejar, Pablo
  • Ishi, Kotaro
  • Komatsuzaki, Takuji
  • Shibata, Ippei
  • Sin, Jasmin
  • Tambunlertchai, Suchanan

Abstract

This paper revisits the competitive environment of the banking system in Latin America and the Caribbean and investigates the early impact of fintech development in the region thus far. Against the backdrop of high net interest margins (NIMs) and limited financial depth in the region, panel regressions broadly confirm the results of existing literature on the association of NIMs with the changes in financial sector structure, including market concentration, administrative costs, and foreign banks, although differences between domestic and foreign banks narrowed after the 2008-09 global financial crisis. Difference-in-difference regressions and case studies on Brazil and Mexico suggest that fintech is associated with reductions in NIMs and defensive responses by incumbent banks, both of which benefit consumers. The case studies also shed light on regulatory approaches and prudential considerations in fostering financial innovation and banking sector competition.

Suggested Citation

  • Bejar, Pablo & Ishi, Kotaro & Komatsuzaki, Takuji & Shibata, Ippei & Sin, Jasmin & Tambunlertchai, Suchanan, 2022. "Can Fintech Foster Competition in the Banking System in Latin America and the Caribbean?," Latin American Journal of Central Banking (previously Monetaria), Elsevier, vol. 3(2).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:lajcba:v:3:y:2022:i:2:s2666143822000163
    DOI: 10.1016/j.latcb.2022.100061
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    Cited by:

    1. Lai, Xiaobing & Yue, Shujing & Guo, Chong & Zhang, Xinhe, 2023. "Does FinTech reduce corporate excess leverage? Evidence from China," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 281-299.
    2. Hodula, Martin, 2023. "Interest rates as a finance battleground? The rise of Fintech and big tech credit providers and bank interest margin," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 53(C).
    3. Luiz Antonio Joia & Rodrigo Proença, 2022. "The social representation of fintech from the perspective of traditional financial sector professionals: evidence from Brazil," Financial Innovation, Springer;Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, vol. 8(1), pages 1-27, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Banking; Competition; Fintech; Latin America and the Caribbean;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D4 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • L11 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Production, Pricing, and Market Structure; Size Distribution of Firms
    • N26 - Economic History - - Financial Markets and Institutions - - - Latin America; Caribbean
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy

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