The Banco de la República received an award in the Central Banking Awards 2026 for the Bre-B system, in the retail payments and market infrastructure development category. This recognition highlights advances in interoperable instant payments in Colombia.
The Banco de la República was recognized in the Central Banking Awards 2026 for Bre-B, a federated instant payments system that modernizes electronic transaction infrastructure in the country. The award, given in the “Development of payments and market infrastructure, retail segment” category, highlights success due to careful planning and a regulatory framework encouraging financial entities' participation, according to Central Banking. Ana María Prieto, director of payment systems at the Banco de la República, is mentioned in the context of the achievement. “This recognition underscores our constant efforts to complement our high-value payment infrastructures with a fully interoperable fast payment system, Bre-B, which facilitates retail electronic transactions for all Colombians,” stated the general manager of the Banco de la República. The project began over three years ago, became operational in 2025, and is progressing as planned, positioning Colombia as a regional benchmark for fast and interoperable digital payment solutions. Over three million merchants have joined Bre-B, boosting financial inclusion.
