The sector’s silent threat
"It’s not just about tech—it’s about people. Without the right talent, MFIs fall behind."
Across LATAM, fintechs scale rapidly with specialised teams. Many MFIs, however, lack the specialised talent to operate, integrate, and evolve digital solutions. We highlight the Peru case as a proven approach and map it to Mexico and Colombia.
Peru — CMAC
Regulator: SBS.
Offer: Microcredit, savings, payments.
Pain points: Core migration, channel modernization, cybersecurity, analytics.
Key roles: Solutions Architect, DevOps/Cloud, QA Automation, Mobile, Data/BI, Security.
Mexico — SOFIPOs & SOCAP
Regulator: CNBV.
Offer: Microcredit, savings, payments; physical + digital.
Pain points: Digital onboarding (KYC), AML/Compliance, core modernization, mobile UX.
Key roles: Backend (.NET/Java), Compliance tech (KYC/AML), DevOps/Cloud, QA, Mobile/UX, Data/BI.
Colombia — Microfinance banks & co-ops
Regulator: SFC.
Offer: Productive microcredit, savings, correspondents, digital.
Pain points: Secure digital origination, payments interoperability, risk/collections analytics, core modernization.
Key roles: API/Event integration, DevOps/SRE, Security (fraud/IAM), Data/BI & risk, Frontend/Mobile, QA/Performance.
Peru takeaway: keep operations running while extended squads ship digital channels and analytics in 6–8 week sprints.
01 The real challenge: beyond technology
The problem isn’t just buying a new core or shipping an app. As Wirbi’s Luis Kitayama notes:
"The real challenge is building and retaining teams that can operate, integrate, and evolve solutions end to end."
— Luis Kitayama, Director of Technology Efficiency, Wirbi
Slow programs
Digital migrations often stretch over multiple years.
Dual operations
Keep legacy services running while building modern digital experiences.
02 The reality of digital transformation
Many MFIs are migrating to digital platforms—but they must guarantee:
What must stay true during the journey
Operational continuity
No disruption to traditional services
New experiences
Iteratively shipping modern channels
Emerging tech
AI and advanced analytics adoption
03 Staffing IT: the strategic solution
Staffing IT addresses the talent crunch head-on. As Wirbi director Piero Pezzia highlights:
"Banks, retailers, and telcos have scaled quickly with this model—many MFIs haven’t adopted it yet."
Definition
Embed vetted technologists from a specialized partner directly into your teams.
Benefits
Faster delivery, shorter ramp-up, and stronger continuity.
04 Case studies in banking
"BCP, BBVA, and Interbank used this model to launch new digital channels in months—not years."
— Piero Pezzia, Director of Strategy, Wirbi
Time reduction
In project rollout
Faster build
In product development
Satisfaction
Among adopters
05 5 steps to Staffing IT
Five practical steps (per Robinson Bocanegra, Wirbi):
Select a strategic partner
Vet experience; define the right engagement model.
Identify required roles
Map tech roles to business goals and roadmap.
Targeted search
Balance technical and cultural fit.
Technical validation
Assess capabilities before onboarding.
Operating model & retention
Define rituals and retention levers to preserve knowledge.
Our Experts
Leaders in Digital Transformation & Staffing IT
The future of microfinance
Transformation can’t be only about systems—it must be about the people who drive change.
Human capital is the strategic asset. MFIs that crack tech talent will lead the next wave of digital financial services.
3 years
Typical transformation timeline
75%
Time saved with Staffing IT
100%
Operational continuity
📚 References
Robinson Bocanegra
Head of New Business at Wirbi
Connects IT leaders with vetted specialists to accelerate initiatives in analytics, BI, software and cloud, delivering measurable results. IT staffing and recruiting.