Mexico Financial Services License

Mexico Financial Services License

Decades of experience licensing specialized financial services companies in Mexico (SOFOM & SOFIPRO)

Setting Up a Financial Services Company in Mexico in 2025: SOFOM vs. SOFIPRO

If you’re looking to expand your financial services footprint into Mexico, now is an excellent time to do so. Regulatory clarity, flexible structuring options, and maturing capital markets make Mexico one of the most attractive jurisdictions in Latin America. Two of the most effective tools for establishing a local financial presence are the SOFOM (Sociedad Financiera de Objeto Múltiple) and SOFIPRO (Sociedad Financiera Popular).

We help financial entrepreneurs and institutional clients build scalable, compliant operations using the best local structures available. This article breaks down the SOFOM and SOFIPRO, the regulatory landscape as it stands in 2025, and how these entities can bridge financial access between Mexico and international markets, including Puerto Rico.

History of Financial Entity Laws in Mexico

Mexico introduced the SOFOM structure in 2006 as a way to modernize and decentralize the credit system. The goal was to provide more flexible, non-bank financial institutions the ability to issue loans, manage leases, and factor receivables. With time, the SOFOM split into two categories:

Separately, the SOFIPRO emerged as an evolution of community-based financial cooperatives with a mandate for financial inclusion. Heavily regulated by the CNBV, the SOFIPRO model is specifically designed for serving rural and underserved populations with savings, credit, and microfinance solutions.

Together, SOFOMs and SOFIPROs offer a full toolkit for businesses seeking to launch consumer and commercial financial services in Mexico.

What’s New for 2025?

Mexico has seen some important regulatory developments over the past year that directly affect financial institutions operating under the SOFOM and SOFIPRO frameworks:

Summary of 2025 Changes

Regulatory Area

2023 Status

2025 Update

Deposit Insurance (SOFIPRO)

Underfunded

Fully funded at MXN 597M, 25,000 UDI coverage via Prosofipo

Capital Requirements

Static

Enhanced scrutiny under Basel alignment for SOFOM ER & SOFIPRO

AML/KYC

General rules

Stricter onboarding procedures; remote onboarding subject to more controls

Prudential Oversight

Standard CNBV audit

Targeted monitoring after solvency concerns (e.g., Sofipo CAME)

Understanding SOFOM ENR, SOFOM ER, and SOFIPRO

SOFOM ENR (Non-Regulated)

This is the simplest and fastest way to set up a financial lending entity in Mexico.

SOFOM ER (Regulated)

Ideal for serious players who want institutional credibility and scale.

SOFIPRO

A highly regulated, full-service non-bank financial institution.

These entities provide an efficient, localized foundation for launching regulated financial services. Each offers tailored benefits depending on whether your focus is credit-only (SOFOM ENR/ER) or deposit-driven (SOFIPRO).

Why SOFOMs and SOFIPROs Are the Best Tools for Financial Expansion

Compared to bank licenses, credit unions, or traditional “cajas de ahorro,” SOFOMs and SOFIPROs are more adaptable, faster to launch, and require lower capital in early stages. They offer:

Whether you are targeting SMEs, unbanked consumers, or digital lending, these structures offer the clearest legal path with the most operational flexibility.

Cross-Border Opportunities: Linking Mexico to Your Puerto Rico Bank

If you operate or are establishing a licensed International Financial Entity (IFE) in Puerto Rico under Act 273, a SOFOM or SOFIPRO can serve as your local Mexican presence.

This structure is already in use by multiple cross-border fintechs and international banks seeking access to Mexico’s growing middle-class and SME market.

Ready to Build?

Whether you’re launching a micro-lender, a regional financial cooperative, or a cross-border correspondent platform tied to your IFE in Puerto Rico, 2025 is the year to get it done.

We can assist with:

Let’s build something smart, scalable, and compliant in Mexico.

For more information, please contact us at info@banklicense.pro. You will also find more information on our download page.