The silent evolution of banking

The transformation currently reshaping the global financial system isn’t disruptive—it’s integrative. More and more banks are quietly embedding components of the crypto infrastructure—such as stablecoins and blockchain networks—into their core operations. This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as the “criptonization” of banking, carries significant implications for CFOs, payments leaders, and finance executives looking to keep their companies strategically competitive.

This article outlines three key insights today’s business leaders must understand to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

1. From digitization to redesign: The new financial architecture imperative

Many companies believe they’ve “gone digital” by automating processes or integrating fintech tools. But when these improvements operate on outdated banking infrastructure, the gains are limited. Today, technologies like blockchain allow us to rethink the very foundations of how businesses process payments, manage liquidity, and operate across currencies.

The evidence is clear: the global cross-border payments market surpassed $190 trillion in 2023 and is expected to reach $290 trillion by 2030 (FXC Intelligence). In this environment, the ability to move money as quickly as data is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Stablecoin transaction volumes have also exploded—from $100 billion monthly in 2020 to a record $1.68 trillion in April 2024 (Cointelegraph). This surge reflects a growing need for more efficient financial alternatives.

2. The cost of inaction: Inefficiencies, lost liquidity, and strategic risk

Holding on to legacy systems comes at a high cost—even if that cost isn’t always visible. Cross-border transactions via correspondent banking networks can take days to settle, with multiple layers of hidden fees.

Worse yet, many institutions still rely on prefunding—tying up capital in various jurisdictions to meet settlement needs. This locks up working capital that could otherwise fuel business growth.

Blockchain-based infrastructure eliminates intermediaries, enhances transparency, and accelerates financial reconciliation. Organizations already using these tools report gains in efficiency, visibility, and operational control (CNBV).

The real question is no longer whether to adopt blockchain, but how and when to strategically integrate it.


3. The CFO as financial architect

Today’s CFO is more than a financial steward—they are the architect of a modern financial infrastructure. This role demands evaluating emerging technologies, collaborating with compliance and tech teams, and leading the implementation of systems that are agile, scalable, and future-proof.

A recent Deloitte survey indicates that 57% of CFOs in Latin America rank advanced financial tech adoption as a top priority, and 42% are already exploring blockchain-based infrastructure for cross-border payments.

Partnerships with regionally knowledgeable platforms are essential. Bitso Business, for example, processed $8.4 billion in stablecoin transactions in 2024 alone, supporting enterprises across Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia. These solutions are not external disruptors—they are enabling partners that integrate smoothly with existing corporate systems.

The “criptonization” of banking isn’t loud or flashy. It happens quietly, as institutions adopt new technologies to enhance performance without sacrificing compliance or security. The time to redesign financial operations isn’t in the future—it’s now. And the leaders who guide their organizations through this transformation will be the ones shaping the next era of global business.