Start-ups, Gender Disparities, and the Fintech Revolution in Latin America

Abstract

This chapter considers the process of entrepreneurial activity to deploy financial technologies (fintech) through mandate-specific new companies in Latin America. We deal with important historical issues such as defining the term, establishing temporal and industrial activity boundaries, positioning this particular process within other organizational forms typical of the region, the role of women and other relevant issues such as the modernization of retail payments and personal lending. A central question is whether fintech start-ups have had a 'scissor' effect in the entrepreneurial process of Latin America: at the base of the pyramid (that is, reducing frictions to support overall entrepreneurial activity, increasing financial inclusion, etc.) and near the top (by creating new business leaders). As a result, this chapter provides an initial assessment of gender disparities and barriers enabling women entrepreneurs in the fintech ecosystem.

The Journey of a Remittance in the Us-Mexico Corridor: From My Salary to My Family

“…In 2014-2015, the Fintech revolution was well settled in Europe and North America but not yet in Latin America. 67 Several voices inside the industry started to talk about the frictions in the remittance markets and how financial technology could change it. Essentially, the diagnosis was the business was not focused on every customer's needs 68 .…”