Artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining the panorama of digital payments in Argentina, promoting a silent revolution that positions QR codes as protagonists of a global market that will reach US $ 66.9 billion in 2034, according to industry projections.

"We are living a historical moment in the Argentine Fintech ecosystem. The convergence between artificial intelligence and QR payments is not only a technological trend, but a transformation that is democratizing access to financial services.", he explains Joaquín Fagalde, CEO of Depay, the company developer of an infrastructure that connects digital wallets with the payment systems of several countries in the region.

The global payments with QR codes, valued at US $ 12.2 billion in 2024, will experience an annual compound growth rate (CAGR) of 18.70% to 2034. This explosive growth is enhanced by the integration of AI technologies that are revolutionizing the payment experience.

In Argentina, this transformation is particularly significant. The country currently processes more than 100 million monthly transactions through digital wallets, reflecting a 68% year -on -year growth in electronic payments at the end of 2023.

The Argentine Revolution in Digital Payments

The Argentine Payment Ecosystem through QR has experienced an accelerated evolution since the implementation of transfers 3.0 by the Central Bank in 2020. This interoperable digital payment system laid the foundations for the massification of QR codes in the country.

"Argentina has become a Fintech innovation laboratory in Latin America. With more than 330 Fintech companies operating in the country and a population that embraces digital technologies, we have the perfect conditions to lead the adoption of smart payments," The Depay Executive maintains.

The Latin American region presents a unique context for this revolution: with 650 million inhabitants, many of them sub -banked, the QR technology enhanced by IA offers an unprecedented opportunity for financial inclusion.

AI: The brain behind safe payments

The integration of artificial intelligence into the QR payment systems goes beyond simple automation. Fagalde explains that the most advanced applications include the prevention of real -time fraud, the personalization of payment experiences and the optimization of transaction routes.

"The AI models that we implement continuously learn from user behaviors. This allows us not only to prevent fraud, but also to offer personalized payment experiences that improve customer satisfaction and increase conversion rates.", details.

The impact on operational efficiency is remarkable: the AI accelerates the KYC verification processes (know its client) and AML (anti-launch of money), reducing incorporation times by up to 30% while improving the accuracy of the validations.

The Central Bank of Argentina (BCRA) has adopted a proactive approach in the regulation of QR payments. Communication “A” 8206, issued in February 2025, established the requirements for public transport payments through QR codes in its VQR equivalent, while interoperable QR regulations seek to create a more integrated ecosystem.

"BCRA regulations have been fundamental to create a confidence framework. Compulsory interoperability means that any trade with a QR code must accept payments from any electronic wallet, which truly democratizes access", Fagalde analysis.

However, challenges persist. In spite of the regulatory mandate that entered into force on May 1, 2025, the complete implementation of QR payments with credit cards from any digital wallet still faces obstacles related to disputes on rates between the different actors of the ecosystem.

The future of smart payments

Looking forward, Fagalde identifies five key trends that will define the future of QR payments in Argentina: the integration of AI with blockchain for greater security, the development of biometric payments, cross -border interoperability, embedded finances and the growing adoption of decentralized finance (DEFI).

"We are at the dawn of a new financial era. The combination of AI and QR payments is not only an incremental improvement, but a quantum jump towards a more inclusive, safe and efficient financial system", projects the DEPAY CEO.

The Executive also highlights the importance of addressing the digital divide: "Our challenge as an industry is to ensure that rural and lower income populations are not excluded from this digital revolution. AI can be a powerful tool for financial inclusion if we implement it correctly."

Latin America as a global reference

Con una tasa de adopción de códigos QR del 13% entre usuarios de internet latinoamericanos, la región supera a Norteamérica (8%) y Europa (10%). Brasil lidera con PIX alcanzando una adopción del 95%, mientras que México registra 60 millones de usuarios en su red de pagos en tiempo real.

"Argentina has everything to become the Fintech hub of the region. We have talent, the digital infrastructure in development and, above all, a market eager for innovative solutions", concludes Fagalde.

The convergence between artificial intelligence and QR payments is writing a new chapter in Argentine financial history, promising a future where transactions are safer, fast and accessible to all citizens.