Brazil's government-run payments system has become dominant

Brazil was in constant economic chaos in the 80s and 90s, so the banking system invested a lot in automation and communications.

I actually think it took too long for Pix to be invented. The piping was all there. Somebody just had to have the idea.

Even in the 80s you could easily transfer from any bank to any other bank.

Well, not just the idea. The technical feats supporting Pix are actually amazing; it's a whole separate payments system that settles almost immediately, 24/7.

All the way back in 1995, brazilian bank Bradesco launched internet banking software for the Sega Mega Drive. I wonder if it was the first banking app.

https://segaretro.org/TeleBradesco_Resid%C3%AAncia

Wow, I never heard of that. That is so interesting. In retrospect, it's a great platform, because there's no risk of malware.