O impacto econômico no mercado bancário dos bancos digitais no Brasil

Abstract

This monograph aims to analyze the economic impact of the rise of digital banks on the Brazilian banking market, focusing on their implications for market structure, the provision of financial services, and financial inclusion. The study begins by distinguishing between digital and traditional banks, based on operational and institutional definitions supported by recent literature and official documents from institutions such as the Central Bank of Brazil and FEBRABAN. The digital bank iti, created by Itaú Unibanco, is used as a case study to illustrate how established financial institutions have adopted digital strategies in response to increasing competition from fintechs and other technology-driven financial startups. The research is qualitative in nature and based on bibliographic review and document analysis. It examines aspects such as operational costs, service outreach, customer experience, organizational changes, and the capacity for technological innovation within the financial sector. It also considers shifts in user profiles and banking behavior, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, a period in which digital transformation accelerated significantly. The findings indicate that digital banks have significantly increased competition in the banking sector, promoting modernization, lowering consumer costs, and expanding access to credit and banking services, particularly in underserved regions. However, the study also highlights challenges related to regulation, digital security, and the economic sustainability of these new business models. It is concluded that the consolidation of digital banks represents a structural transformation in the Brazilian banking system, requiring continuous adaptation from traditional institutions and careful attention from public policymakers