Overview
- Banxico and the CNBV closed the public consultation in September and are now reviewing comments before issuing final rules that would phase in interchange caps over a three‑year glide path.
- The proposed limits would steer aggregated interchange toward about 0.30% for debit and 1% for credit to cut costs for merchants and encourage wider acceptance of electronic payments.
- The CNBV aims to clarify that Sofipos can act as acquirers and to create a regulated 'comisionista de base tecnológica' model so Sofipos can use third‑party digital platforms to reach small shops and rural users.
- Regulators insist Sofipos must adopt tougher prudential measures such as IFRS 9 accounting rules, a liquidity coverage‑like coefficient and stronger risk management and governance before scaling acquiring operations.
- Cash still dominates many small and rural merchants and online banking use is low, so allowing Sofipos into acquiring could expand digital payments but will require interoperability, new processors and improved operational capacity to avoid financial strain.