Overview of Key News in Latin America - May 2025
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
May 2025 was marked by decisive developments across Latin America. In Mexico, the spotlight was on cybersecurity in the financial sector during the 88th Banking Convention, while digital fraud surged during the Hot Sale, and a historic judicial reform paved the way for the popular election of judges—raising intense debates over judicial independence. In Argentina, local elections in Buenos Aires revealed widespread political apathy, with record-low voter turnout and the rise of President Javier Milei’s party, La Libertad Avanza. In Peru, attention focused on the digital transformation of startups, cybersecurity challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the enforcement of a new anti-spam law that strengthens consumer rights. In Brazil, investigative reports highlighted both the decline in deforestation in 2024 and warnings of setbacks in 2025, alongside political coordination abroad targeting the Supreme Court, and growing urban pressure on vulnerable communities, such as the last favela in downtown São Paulo.
This regional overview reflects a continent in transition, navigating digital innovation, institutional reform, and ongoing struggles for inclusion, justice, and sustainability.
MEXICO
Strengthening Cybersecurity at the 88th Banking Convention
During the 88th Banking Convention, held on May 8 and 9, 2025, in Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, the Governor of the Bank of Mexico, Victoria Rodríguez Ceja, along with other financial sector leaders, highlighted the importance of strengthening cybersecurity capabilities in Mexican financial institutions. In a context of increasing digitalization and the sophistication of cyberattacks, the need to promote a security-oriented organizational culture was emphasized, including ongoing training, cooperation between banks and regulators, and the real-time exchange of information to effectively detect and mitigate threats. Furthermore, the adoption of advanced security models such as Zero Trust and the use of artificial intelligence to protect users and ensure the stability of the financial system were highlighted. The presence of President Claudia Sheinbaum and the Secretary of Finance, Édgar Amador Zamora, underscored the strategic relevance of these issues for economic development and financial inclusion in Mexico.
Sources:
- https://www.eleconomista.com.mx/sectorfinanciero/convencion-bancaria-88-agenda-eventos-20250503-757477.html
- https://www.gob.mx/presidencia/articulos/version-estenografica-88-convencion-bancaria
Increase in Digital Fraud During Hot Sale 2025
In May 2025, during the Hot Sale, Mexico experienced an 80% increase in digital fraud attempts, highlighting the vulnerabilities in e-commerce and digital financial services. This increase is attributed to the sophistication of attacks such as card fraud, phishing, and identity theft, taking advantage of the high transaction volume and consumers’ rush to take advantage of promotions. Faced with this situation, banks and retailers strengthened their detection and prevention systems using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and multi-factor authentication, in addition to intensifying educational campaigns to encourage users to adopt safe practices. This phenomenon underscores the urgency of strengthening cybersecurity in the digital ecosystem to protect consumer trust and the integrity of online transactions.
Sources:
Judiciary Power Elections in Mexico
During May 2025, Mexico has promoted an unprecedented judicial reform that introduces the popular election of federal judges, magistrates, and justices, with the aim of democratizing the judiciary. On June 1, 2025, Mexico will experience an unprecedented electoral process in which citizens will have the opportunity to directly elect 881 positions in the Federal Judicial Branch, including key positions such as the nine justices of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) and the justices of the Judicial Disciplinary Tribunal. This election is a result of the constitutional reform approved in September 2024, which establishes for the first time in the country’s history that judges, magistrates, and justices will be appointed by popular vote, rather than through traditional internal appointment processes. The judiciary, which is one of the three autonomous and independent branches of government of the Mexican State, has the fundamental function of administering justice and ensuring respect for the laws and the Constitution at all levels of government and society. This reform seeks to democratize the justice system, make it more transparent, and bring it closer to the public, marking a radical change in the way justice administrators are selected in Mexico.
On the one hand, this reform has raised concerns among specialists and members of the judiciary, who have expressed in various international forums the risks of replacing the judicial career with a popularly elected model. They warn that this measure could compromise judicial independence, as well as the professionalization and technical and ethical quality of judges, which in turn could have a negative impact on the rule of law and democratic stability in Mexico.
On the other hand, some political actors see this reform as an opportunity to transform the judicial system toward a more rapid, accessible, and public-friendly justice system.
Sources:
- https://eljuegodelacorte.nexos.com.mx/eleccion-popular-de-jueces-federales-en-mexico-2025/
- https://www.jornada.com.mx/noticia/2025/05/07/politica/impactara-reforma-judicial-en-estado-de-derecho-de-mexico-rios-farjat
- https://www.congresoedomex.gob.mx/boletin/6a458740-1fca-4c9c-b074-77863dd169e8
ARGENTINA
In May 2025, local elections in the City of Buenos Aires revealed a deep sense of political apathy and civic disengagement. Voter turnout was notably low, with less than 40% of the electorate casting ballots in several neighborhoods, and participation dropping below 20% in areas like Villa 31. Despite this context, La Libertad Avanza, the party of President Javier Milei, emerged as the leading political force in the city, including among foreign voters. This outcome reflects support for the national administration amid a significant reshaping of Buenos Aires’ political landscape.
These elections were seen as a barometer of public sentiment ahead of the national legislative elections in October, which will be held for the first time using a single-paper ballot system and without primary elections. The low turnout raised alarms across the political spectrum, highlighting the growing disconnect between citizens and politics in a society affected by economic austerity. While the ruling party seeks to consolidate its support base, the opposition faces the challenge of regrouping and regaining legitimacy in an environment marked by disillusionment and uncertainty.
PERU
Startups attract new investment for technology ventures
The global economy is moving towards decarbonisation and digitalisation, processes that are driving the growth of technology startups, especially in sectors such as fintech. Latin America received more than USD 4.5 billion in venture capital in 2024, with Brazil, Mexico and Colombia standing out. In this context, Peru maintains a stable economy despite the political situation, and shows signs of sustained growth in exports and GDP. Experts highlight that today is a good time to invest in Peruvian startups thanks to greater access to technological tools, such as low-cost artificial intelligence, and the growing interest of entrepreneurs and universities. Although investment in Peruvian startups has declined since its peak in 2021, the country is still seen as a market with high potential by regional players.
Source:
Cybersecurity for SMEs: What should entrepreneurs consider?
In 2024, Peruvian SMEs became one of the main targets of cyberattacks, with more than 45.5 billion attempts, according to Fortinet. Threats such as phishing, ransomware and automated attacks with artificial intelligence especially affect companies without clear security policies and a culture of prevention. Common mistakes such as weak passwords, lack of training and unauthorised access make them vulnerable. Experts recommend accessible measures such as using strong passwords with double authentication, updating systems, offline backups, installing reliable antivirus software and training staff. They also stress that cybersecurity should be seen as an operational necessity and not a luxury, promoting an organisational culture that prioritises digital protection.
Source:
Law against spam calls goes into effect in Peru
The Peruvian Congress passed a law banning unwanted calls, text messages and e-mails for advertising purposes, known as spam, a practice that affects millions of consumers on a daily basis. The law, in force since 10 May 2025, establishes that commercial communications can only be sent if the user has given express consent, which can be revoked at any time. In addition, it requires these calls to be identified by a special code within a maximum period of 60 days. The Peruvian Consumers’ Association (Aspec) welcomed the measure as an important step forward in the defence of consumer rights, and complaint channels were set up through Indecopi:
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Telephone lines: 224 7777 (Lima) and 0-800-4-4040 (regions).
Source:
BRAZIL:
Deforestation: one good news, one bad, and one warning sign
Deforestation in Brazil decreased by 32.4% in 2024, but rose again in April 2025. The report warns of potential setbacks in environmental protection. Experts highlight weaknesses in public policies. The Amazon remains the most affected region.
Source:
Eduardo Bolsonaro coordinated attacks on Brazil’s Supreme Court with U.S. allies
Eduardo Bolsonaro met with U.S. conservatives to build international pressure against Brazil’s Supreme Court. The trip was kept secret and not listed in official agendas. The move raises concerns over foreign influence in Brazil’s judiciary.
Source:
Caught between real estate pressure and violence: the last favela in downtown São Paulo
Residents of the Moinho favela face eviction threats, police violence, and government neglect. The area is under pressure from real estate speculation. The story reveals the daily struggle for housing and dignity in central São Paulo.
Source:
