*Camille Ocampo
The Brazilian financial sector is undergoing intense transformations. After the success of Pix and the advancement of Open Finance, a new requirement is about to test banks’ ability to adapt: the implementation of the alphanumeric format for the National Registry of Legal Entities (CNPJ). The Brazilian Federal Revenue Service (RFB) announced that the change will be mandatory as of July 2026. The adaptation is very complex and entails risks for technology areas, but a great ally could be Generative Artificial Intelligence.
First, it is essential to understand the reasons behind this decision. The current CNPJ system offers 100 million numeric combinations, of which 60 million have already been used. If current demand continues, these combinations would run out by 2033. The transition to an alphanumeric format is therefore a necessary response to ensure the continuity of this fundamental registration for the economy.
However, implementing this change is far from trivial. The technical complexity and associated risks require reflection on the challenges that banks, payment institutions and insurers will have to face. Changing systems that are already in operation, many of which were developed years ago and lack updated documentation, is a painstaking and risky task. Furthermore, failures in these changes can compromise not only the operations of the institutions, but also the trust of users in financial systems.
Here, technology emerges as an indispensable ally. Solutions based on Generative Artificial Intelligence can simplify this process. Frameworks that automatically identify codes to be adjusted, update documentation and improve security testing are proving to be crucial in mitigating the risks of this transition. It is an opportunity to modernize systems and increase the resilience of the financial sector.
However, it is important to note that this modernization does not happen overnight. Extensive testing and secure implementations take time, and the deadline for adaptation is fast approaching. Some institutions have already started their preparations, which is a positive example for the market.
I believe that the discussion about the new CNPJ format should go beyond the technical issue. It is also an opportunity to review priorities in terms of innovation and digital security. If the challenge is taken with the seriousness it deserves, we will be able to not only overcome the immediate difficulties, but also strengthen the foundations of the national financial system for the coming decades.
As a sector, we need to ask ourselves the following questions: are we prepared for this evolution? More than that, are we willing to transform this challenge into an opportunity for growth and modernization? The answers to these questions will define the future of financial institutions in Brazil.
*Camille OCampo is Executive Director of Capco, a consultancy specializing in management and technology for the financial and energy sectors.
Notice: The opinion presented in this article is the responsibility of its author and not of ABES - Brazilian Association of Software Companies
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