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

Author

Listed:
  • Suchanan Tambunlertchai
  • Kotaro Ishi
  • Mr. Takuji Komatsuzaki
  • Mr. Ippei Shibata
  • Jasmin Sin

Abstract

This paper revisits the competitive environment of the banking system in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) 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 results of existing literature on the association of NIMs with the changes in the 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 a reduction in NIMs and defensive responses by incumbent banks that benefit consumers. The case studies also shed light on regulatory approaches and prudential considerations in fostering financial innovation and banking sector competition.

Suggested Citation

  • Suchanan Tambunlertchai & Kotaro Ishi & Mr. Takuji Komatsuzaki & Mr. Ippei Shibata & Jasmin Sin, 2021. "Can Fintech Foster Competition in the Banking System in Latin America and the Caribbean?," IMF Working Papers 2021/114, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2021/114
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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.
    4. Patra, Saswat & Malik, Kunjana, 2025. "Return and volatility connectedness among US and Latin American markets: A QVAR approach with implications for hedging and portfolio diversification," Global Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    5. Queen Magadi Mabe & Beatrice Desiree Simo-Kengne, 2025. "The Impact of Fintech Risk on Bank Performance in Africa: The PVAR Approach," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-29, August.

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    Keywords

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    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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