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Drex promises to change the future of the Brazilian economy, but is total control over money what we want?
Few financial innovations have generated as much debate as Drex, the new digital real that promises to completely change the way we deal with money in Brazil.
Launched amid an era of accelerated digital transformations, Drex emerges at a time of consolidation of financial systems such as Pix and cryptocurrencies, which have already challenged traditional transaction models.
These innovations have sparked intense debates about privacy, government control, and accessibility, raising questions that Drex now amplifies in unprecedented ways.
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While many see this initiative as a revolution positive, others warn of the risks of a system that could compromise citizens' privacy and financial autonomy.
What is Drex?
According to Bruno Perini, during his participation in the Irmãos Dias podcast, Drex is the digital version of the real, developed by the Central Bank of Brazil.
The goal is to implement a 100% digital currency, gradually replacing paper money.
“In big cities, we already experience something similar, because the use of physical money is minimal. In smaller places, however, the scenario is still different,” explained Perini.
Digital currency would bring logistical advantages, such as reducing the costs of transporting banknotes and increasing transaction security.
However, the impact of the transition for a country of continental dimensions, where access to the internet and smartphones is still limited, is a cause for concern.
Benefits and Challenges of Drex
Perini highlighted that Drex can simplify transactions and democratize access to the financial system. On the other hand, he also warned about the risks associated with total government control over the currency.
“You could end up in a dystopian scenario where the government monitors all spending and imposes restrictions based on criteria that are not always fair,” the expert said.
Among the concerns is the possibility of the government programming the currency, establishing expiration dates for the use of the money or limiting the application of resources for specific purposes.
According to Perini, “this could have a positive side, such as preventing money from social programs from being spent on gambling. But it could also lead to abuses, such as limiting the consumption of certain products.”
Comparing with Pix
Drex has been compared to Pix, which revolutionized instant payments in Brazil.
Perini recalled that, before the launch of Pix, many believed that the system would compromise users' financial confidentiality.
However, its adoption was massive and brought undeniable benefits. “Even those who beg for money use Pix nowadays. The impact was incredible,” he highlighted.
Despite this, Drex raises deeper questions, especially about state control and the lack of anonymity in financial transactions.
While Pix is a transfer system, Drex would represent the country's own currency, expanding the possibilities for government monitoring.
an uncertain future
During the podcast, Perini also highlighted that Brazil is one of the pioneering countries in this type of initiative.
In other places, such as the United States, the implementation of a digital currency faces resistance.
“There, one of Donald Trump’s promises was to prevent the advancement of a digital dollar,” the expert noted.
Drex is expected to start operating in 2026, but the speed of the project is surprising. For Perini, the accelerated pace could be worrying.
“We are leading something that other countries are not in such a hurry to adopt. This should make us reflect,” he concluded.
Drex may bring convenience and modernization, but it also raises a series of ethical and political questions.
How much are we willing to give up our privacy in the name of efficiency? Brazil’s financial future is being shaped, and it is essential that the population participates in this debate.
Do you believe Drex will be a revolution or a risk to our financial freedom? Comment below and join the discussion!
Specialist, do you work at the Central Bank?!
Brazil does not have efficient technology to work with this system and mainly because our rulers are corrupt and the people are very cowardly and have no commitment to the future of the new generations, it worked and should not be replaced by any other currency, this Pix should be ended because people who do not have an education have difficulty making payments and receiving, Brazil should be concerned about the education of the Brazilian people who have one of the worst education systems in the world, there are only a lot of criminal teachers, starting with politicians!