Balancing Cooperation and Competition in Retail Payment Systems: Lessons from Latin America Case Studies

“Balancing Cooperation and Competition in Retail Payment Systems: Lessons from Latin America Case Studies” presents the findings of four case studies in Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico) that have explored the issue of cooperation and competition in different retail payments markets, such as the automated clearinghouse (ACH) and cards markets. The study includes an overview of the main issues and policy guidelines derived from the case studies but also from the accumulated expertise of the Bank around the world and available literature on the topic. Thus, the study defines a conceptual framework to better identify the issues involved and propose policy guidelines for the authorities and stakeholders to consider in advacing reforms in the area of retail payment systems and achieve the right balance for a cooperative infrastructure development among market competitors.