Mercado Pago’s First Employee Paula Arregui, Senior VP of Acquiring, Talks Fintech’s Growth in Latin America and Winning Acquiring on Inside Mercado Libre

Rhea-AI Summary

Mercado Libre has released the sixth episode of its podcast series "Inside Mercado Libre," featuring Paula Arregui, Senior VP of Acquiring and Mercado Pago's first employee. The episode highlights Arregui's 25-year journey and Mercado Pago's evolution into Latin America's largest fintech acquirer, processing $142 billion in total payment value in 2024.

The podcast, hosted by IR Officer Richard Cathcart, explores how Mercado Libre's ecosystem provides competitive advantages in Acquiring. Arregui specifically discusses the significant opportunity in Mexico, where cash still represents 38% of transaction value. With Mexico's population of 130 million and $1.8 trillion GDP, Mercado Pago aims to capitalize on digital payment adoption.

The episode is available on Spotify, joining previous episodes featuring discussions with the CFO, CEO Marcos Galperin, and other executives on topics including Q4 results, company culture, strategy, and advertising.

Positive

• Mercado Pago processed $142 billion in total payment value in Acquiring during 2024
• Company is the largest fintech acquirer in Latin America
• Large untapped market opportunity in Mexico with 38% of transactions still in cash
• Strong brand awareness and rich data capabilities in Mexico's $1.8 trillion GDP market

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction – MELI

+2.19%

1 alert

+2.19% News Effect

On the day this news was published, MELI gained 2.19%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Montevideo, Uruguay,, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mercado Libre (NASDAQ: MELI), the leading e-commerce and fintech platform in Latin America, released the sixth episode of its podcast series, Inside Mercado Libre, "Acquiring with Paula Arregui, Fintech Acquiring Senior Vice President.” The Inside Mercado Libre podcast, hosted by Investor Relations Officer, Richard Cathcart, provides investors with unique access to the company executives’ strategic perspectives. 

In the latest episode, Paula Arregui reflects on her 25-year journey at Mercado Libre and Mercado Pago's transformation from an idea into the largest fintech acquirer in Latin America. In 2024 alone, Mercado Pago processed $142 billion in total payment value in Acquiring. She discusses how Mercado Libre's ecosystem is a critical element of the Mercado Pago's competitive advantages in Acquiring. 

She also discusses the critical role Mercado Pago is playing in accelerating financial digitization across the region and shares insights into the massive opportunity ahead in Mexico, where cash still represents 38% of transaction value (TPV).

As Arregui notes, “Mexico presents a huge opportunity to digitize cash. It’s the second largest country in Latin America, with 130 million people and a $1.8 trillion GDP - an enormous volume we can capitalize on. Mercado Libre’s strong brand awareness and rich data allow us to enhance our financial offerings and deliver a stronger value proposition to users.”

Listen to the latest episode "Acquiring with Paula Arregui, Fintech Acquiring Senior Vice President” on Spotify. Previous episodes “CFO Perspectives: Reflections on Q4 Results,” “Marcos Galperin on MELI’s Culture,” “Strategy and Growth Opportunities with Leandro Cuccioli”, and “Advertising with Sean Summers” can be accessed here.  

About Mercado Libre
Founded in 1999, MercadoLibre, Inc (NASDAQ: MELI) is the leading company in e-commerce and financial technology in Latin America, with operations in 18 countries. It offers a complete ecosystem of solutions for individuals and businesses to buy, sell, advertise, obtain credit and insurance, collect, send money, save, and pay for goods and services both online and offline. Mercado Libre looks to facilitate access to commerce and financial services in Latin America, a market that offers great opportunities and high growth potential. It uses world-class technology to create intuitive solutions tailored to the local culture to transform the lives of millions of people in the region. More information at http://investor.mercadolibre.com/

Janelle Laignelet
jlaignelet@milltownpartners.com
www.milltownpartners.com

FAQ

What is Mercado Pago's total payment value in Acquiring for 2024 (MELI)?

Mercado Pago processed $142 billion in total payment value in Acquiring during 2024.

Who is Paula Arregui at Mercado Libre (MELI) and what is her role?

Paula Arregui is Mercado Pago's first employee and currently serves as Senior Vice President of Acquiring at Mercado Libre. She has been with the company for 25 years.

What percentage of transaction value is still in cash in Mexico for Mercado Pago (MELI)?

In Mexico, cash still represents 38% of transaction value (TPV), presenting a significant opportunity for digital payment growth.

Where can I listen to Mercado Libre's (MELI) Inside Mercado Libre podcast with Paula Arregui?

The podcast episode 'Acquiring with Paula Arregui, Fintech Acquiring Senior Vice President' is available on Spotify.

What is the market opportunity for Mercado Pago (MELI) in Mexico?

Mexico represents a major opportunity with 130 million people and a $1.8 trillion GDP, where Mercado Libre can capitalize on digitalizing cash transactions through its strong brand awareness and data capabilities.