The sector’s silent threat
"The challenge isn’t merely technology—it’s the ability to build and retain capable teams."
Across LATAM, fintechs advance rapidly with agile teams. Many MFIs lack the people to operate, integrate and evolve digital solutions. We draw on the Peruvian case and translate lessons to Mexico and Colombia.
Peru — CMAC
Regulator: SBS.
Offer: Microcredit, savings, payments; branch + mobile.
Pain points: Core migration, channel modernisation, cybersecurity, analytics.
Key IT roles: Solutions architect, DevOps/Cloud, QA Automation, Mobile, Data/BI, Security (IAM/monitoring).
Mexico — SOFIPOs & SOCAP
Regulator: CNBV.
Offer: Microcredit, savings, payments; physical + digital channels.
Pain points: Digital onboarding (KYC), AML/Compliance, core modernisation, mobile UX.
Key IT roles: Backend (.NET/Java) with Open Finance APIs, Compliance tech, DevOps/Cloud, QA Automation, Mobile/UX, Data/BI.
Colombia — Microfinance banks & cooperatives
Regulator: SFC.
Offer: Productive microcredit, savings, correspondent banking, digital channels.
Pain points: Secure digital origination, payments interoperability, risk & collections analytics, core modernisation.
Key IT roles: Integration (APIs/events), DevOps/SRE, Security (fraud/IAM), Data/BI & risk, Frontend/Mobile, QA/Performance.
Peru lesson: preserve operational continuity while extended teams deliver digital channels and analytics in 6–8 week sprints.
01 The real challenge: beyond technology
The difficulty is not merely procuring a new core or launching an app. As Wirbi’s Luis Kitayama notes:
"The real challenge is to build and retain teams able to operate, integrate and evolve solutions end to end."
— Luis Kitayama, Director of Technology Efficiency, Wirbi
Slow programmes
Digital migrations often take multiple years.
Dual operation
Maintain legacy services whilst building modern digital experiences.
02 The reality of digital transformation
Many MFIs are migrating to digital platforms—meanwhile they must ensure:
Non-negotiables during transition
Operational continuity
No disruption to traditional services
New digital experiences
Iterative delivery of modern channels
Emerging technologies
AI and advanced analytics
03 Staffing IT: the strategic solution
Staffing IT addresses the talent shortfall. As director Piero Pezzia remarks:
"Banks, retailers and telcos have scaled with this model—many microfinance institutions have yet to follow."
What it is
Embed vetted technologists from a specialist partner into your teams.
Key benefits
Accelerated delivery, reduced ramp-up and maintained continuity.
04 Case studies in banking
"BCP, BBVA and Interbank have deployed this approach, launching digital channels in months rather than years."
— Piero Pezzia, Director of Strategy, Wirbi
Time reduction
Project implementation
Faster delivery
Product development
Satisfaction
Among adopters
05 5 steps to Staffing IT
Five pragmatic steps (per Robinson Bocanegra, Wirbi):
Select a strategic partner
Assess experience; define the engagement model.
Identify required profiles
Align roles with business goals and digital roadmap.
Targeted search
Balance technical and cultural fit.
Technical validation
Verify capabilities before onboarding.
Ways of working & retention
Set rituals and retention mechanisms to protect knowledge.
Our Experts
Leaders in Digital Transformation & Staffing IT
The future of microfinance
Transformation cannot be solely about systems—it must focus on the people who enable the change.
Human capital is the decisive asset. Institutions that solve the technology-talent equation will lead the next era of digital financial services.
3 years
Typical transformation timeframe
75%
Time reduction with Staffing IT
100%
Operational continuity
📚 References
Robinson Bocanegra
Head of New Business at Wirbi
Connects IT leaders with vetted specialists to accelerate technology initiatives and deliver measurable outcomes across analytics, BI, software and cloud. IT resourcing and executive search.