Financial modernization and inclusion in Central America

Financial sectors in Central America and Ecuador are undergoing significant technological and structural shifts. In Ecuador, banking professionals are prioritizing the modernization of core business systems through progressive transformation and the decoupling of functionalities to increase flexibility and reduce response times for new products, rather than pursuing high-risk, full platform replacements.

Ecuador has reported high levels of financial inclusion, with the Central Bank stating that 91.6% of adults, or 11.6 million people, had access to at least one financial product by the end of 2025. Approximately 81.2% of the adult population maintains frequently used accounts. However, experts emphasize that true financial health requires improved literacy in budgeting, saving, and responsible credit use.

To support digital expansion, the Ecuadorian Superintendency of Banks is moving toward a risk-based supervision model to address cybersecurity, fraud, and data leaks, prioritizing the effectiveness of controls over documentary compliance.

In Guatemala, the fintech sector is expanding through digital assets, credit, and payments, supported by a young, tech-savvy population. The integration of artificial intelligence is accelerating the development of personalized services and automated transactions, seen in structures such as ZIGI within Banco Industrial.

Regional trends are being further explored at major forums. The 26th International Forum on Financial Inclusion in Manta, Ecuador, addressed how AI and new financing models can strengthen emerging economies. Similarly, the FINNOSUMMIT in Mexico highlighted fintech’s evolution into a technological layer for sectors like retail and healthcare, noting that 77% of Mexican fintech companies already integrate artificial intelligence into their operations.