In the most recent episode of “Papeles al Día”, we explore the professional trajectory and strategic vision of Gricel Gualito, an expert in the financial sector and passionate about innovation in compliance. From his beginnings in traditional banking to his foray into fintech startups, Gricel shares his experience, learning and perspectives on the future of the financial industry.

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A Career Forged in Academic and Professional Excellence

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Gricel is an accountant graduated from the UNAM, with training that began at university levels and a deep connection with her Alma Mater, where she is now professor and synodal professor of professional exams. Her passion for knowledge has led her to complement her training in institutions such as ITAM, the Universidad Panamericana, and the Anahuac.

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“I love my profession and teaching. I am convinced that sharing knowledge is essential for growth.”

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Trajectory in Traditional Banking

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With more than 16 years in the financial sector, Gricel began his career in BBVA, where he learned everything from operational processes to the implementation of active and passive products. His experience was expanded in institutions such as Santander and Banamex, where he found his true passion in compliance and specifically in the prevention of money laundering (PLD).

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Highlighted Milestones:

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• First Role as Compliance Officer:
  She was a pioneer in a field where women were underrepresented, facing the challenges of a traditional environment.
• Contribution to Strengthening Regulation:
  He participated in the implementation of certifications and new standards for compliance officers in Mexico.

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The Leap to Fintech Startups

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Gricel describes his move to Fintech industry as a watershed in his career. Your experience in Financial Cube, a supervised startup like Sofipo, allowed him to experiment with an agile, collaborative environment focused on technological innovation.

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Key Differences Between Traditional Banking and Fintech:

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1. Regulation:
   • Traditional banking faces a more complex and structured regulatory burden.
   • Fintech companies have greater flexibility, but they must focus on transparency and compliance without sacrificing agility.
2. Use of Technology:
   • Traditional banks face challenges modernizing legacy systems.
   • Fintech companies are born with cutting-edge technology, optimizing processes from the start.
3. Organizational Culture:
   • In fintech, the environment is more relaxed and collaborative, encouraging innovation.
   • Traditional banking has begun to incorporate these dynamics, but it still faces structural challenges.

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Innovation and Compliance: Current and Futuristic Challenges

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1. Adapting to Regulatory Changes:
The constant evolution of regulations requires institutions to keep up to date and to invest in technology to comply effectively.

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2. Compliance Awareness:
Gricel highlights the importance of communicating the value of compliance effectively, promoting a culture of pro-business compliance.

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3. Customization and Technology:
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Open banking it will allow creating personalized experiences for users, from interfaces to hiring processes.

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“Technology not only facilitates compliance, but it also allows us to anticipate risks and offer more inclusive and accessible products.”

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Key Learnings from an Inspiring Career

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1. Adaptation and Speed:
   Compliance must be agile to respond to a constantly changing environment.
2. Multidisciplinary Collaboration:
   Working as a team with areas such as IT, marketing and business is essential to achieve objectives.
3. Data Analysis:
   Risk management is optimized with the use of advanced analysis and monitoring tools.
4. Ethics and Social Responsibility:
   Beyond complying with regulations, compliance must be a pillar in crime prevention and building a more ethical financial industry.

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Looking to the Future: Financial Inclusion and Innovation

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For Gricel, the industry's biggest challenge is promote financial inclusion through accessible and personalized products that reach underserved sectors such as:

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• Microenterprises.
• Freelancers and digital platform workers.
• Rural communities.

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It also highlights the need to:

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• More inclusive platforms: Intuitive and accessible mobile apps for low-end devices.
• AI-based personalization: Products designed specifically for the needs of each user.

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Final Reflection

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Gricel Gualito leaves us with a powerful message:

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“Knowledge exchange and collaboration between institutions are crucial to move towards a more ethical, innovative and inclusive financial industry.”

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Thank you for joining us on this episode of “Papeles al Día”! Follow us for more conversations with financial industry leaders.