For 2025, the volume of processed transactions in Paraguay is expected to exceed 327% of GDP, reaching around 379 million operations. This significant figure reflects the rapid growth of the system and highlights its direct impact on the country’s financial activity and economic performance.
The Paraguayan system of payments (SIPAP) marks 12 years of operations in Paraguay and has become one of the most relevant pillars of the local economy for transactions. Since its implementation, the system has played a central role in strengthening financial integration.
The system’s steady expansion reflects both increased confidence in electronic payment mechanisms and the country’s broader process of economic modernisation. Today, SIPAP serves as a critical infrastructure that underpins daily financial operations and long-term market stability.
Rapid growth and modernisation
The National Bank of Paraguay (BCP) highlights that, since its beginnings, SIPAP has incorporated the latest generation technological devices. These innovations have enabled the modernisation of economic payments, strengthened operational security, and boosted interbank transactions across the financial sector. SIPAP’s architecture integrates international standards and combines different services that, together, ensure fast, reliable, and accessible operations for both financial institutions and end users.
SIPAP is currently composed of four main pillars: LBTR (Real-Time Gross Settlement), ACH (Automated Clearing House), the Securities Depository (DEPO), and the Instant Payments System (SPI). Each of these components fulfils specific functions that collectively support market efficiency.
Reducing credit risk
The LBTR serves as the core for high-value interbank operations. By allowing payments to be settled in real time with irrevocable finality, it reduces credit risk and ensures the immediate completion of transfers between entities. This function is essential for market stability and liquidity management within the financial system.
Meanwhile, the ACH facilitates batch processing of payment orders. This enables massive and scheduled transactions, such as automatic debits and recurring payments. This mechanism helps reduce operational risk and optimises processing capacity for large volumes, strengthening the fluidity of fund transfers.
The third component, DEPO, is responsible for the custody and administration of public securities issued by the Paraguayan government. Its role is central to organising the registration, centralisation, and control of these instruments. Additionally, it provides the technical and operational foundation for incorporating private securities, an expansion that would further develop the capital market.
Key tool for digital transactions
The SPI has become a key tool for low-value operations by enabling immediate transfers between institutions, available 24 hours. SPI implementation has driven financial inclusion and the digitalisation of payments, offering a faster, safer, and more innovative payment experience.
After 12 years of evolution, SIPAP has strengthened confidence in electronic payments and positioned itself as a strategic infrastructure for Paraguay’s financial modernisation.
Read more: Paraguay’s New Payment Law Opens Door To PayPal, And Other Payment Providers.
