Latin America reaches milestone in financial inclusion

Latin America has reached a historic milestone in financial inclusion, officially crossing the 50-point threshold on a 100-point scale for the first time. According to the 2026 Financial Inclusion Index published by Credicorp’s think tank, Banco de Ideas, the region scored 50.1 points.

This growth is driven by the rapid adoption of mobile digital wallets and expanded microcredit programs. Colombia recorded the fastest growth rate in the region, increasing its score from 45.4 to 50.1 points, while Panama remains a leading nation in the index. The report evaluates eight key economies: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, and Peru.

Experts note that sustainable financial empowerment requires a modernized regulatory framework that balances fintech innovation with robust consumer protection and cybersecurity standards to integrate underserved populations into the formal economy.