IWG attends CIAB – Latin America's largest IT event for the financial industry to debate the future of financial systems and the role flexspace can play

Fintech – technology that challenges the financial status quo – is rapidly gaining momentum in Brazil. So much so, that the nation has become the fintech hub of Latin America – and it’s now home to the highest number of fintech startups outside of the US.

This surge in fledgling companies is shaping the national working culture. Digitally driven, growing fast and location-independent, these startups are seeking more flexibility from their office space. “Digital transformation and flexible workspace have much more in common than you might think,” says Tiago Alves, Country Manager in Brazil for IWG.

This month, CIAB takes place in Sao Paulo, the largest technology event for Latin America’s financial sector. Here, industry professionals and innovators will come together to debate the future of financial systems, to hear expert speakers and explore new technologies. “As the largest supplier of flexible working space – representing the new shared economy – the importance of IWG's presence through our Regus brand is enormous,” says Alves.

Alves has witnessed flexible working take off exponentially as Brazil’s financial sector evolves. But the trend also applies to traditional financial institutions, who are seeking more agility in their workspace set-up. “Two years ago, one of the largest financial companies in Brazil started adopting the home office and should extend this option to more than 10,000 employees in the coming months,” he says.

Finance directors across Latin America are increasingly seeking to incorporate flexible working into their business's culture – recognising the benefits it can bring. “Many companies have been looking for flexible offices to complement their workspace solutions,” says Alves. “There is the issue of displacement in large cities, and people are rethinking their use of space based on this. This results in more efficiency, reduced costs, and an increase in one of the most valuable assets in everyday life today – time. This creates higher levels of employee engagement, talent retention and productivity.”

To meet demand fuelled by the regional rise of fintech companies, and the changing mindset of financial heavyweights, IWG is expanding its footprint rapidly in Brazil and wider Latin America.

“We are predicting a significant expansion of both Regus and Spaces, and also the arrival of two other IWG brands,” says Alves. “One of them is Signature by Regus – a more exclusive product, for that customer who really seeks to distinguish their business from others. The second is HQ – a brand we bought in 2010.

He adds: “The goal is to offer a more functional product to clients. With Regus, we must open between 20 and 25 locations this year. As for Spaces, our goal is to reach at least ten units by the end of 2019. Our expectation is to close the year with 100 IWG operating units in Brazil.”

Should your financial company explore the benefits of flexible working? Find out more