In this post, I’ll look at the best cities in Mexico to set up a financial services or fintech business. After 20+ years of doing business in Mexico, here are my thoughts on the most popular jurisdictions. Mexico is a large country with many diverse cities. This article should help you to focus your research. 

I’ll end with my top pick, the city of Tijuana which borders my hometown of San Diego, California. I believe this is the best location for a fintech or financial services business for a variety of reasons. 

As for the corporate structure of a fintech or financial services company in Mexico, the best is always the regulated or unregulated SOFOM. For more on this, see Exploring Mexico’s Financial Landscape: A Comparison of SOFOM, SOFOL, and SOFIPO and Incorporating a Financial Services Company in Mexico – the Mexican SOFOM.

And now to my list of the best cities in Mexico for a Fintech or Financial Services business: 

Mexico’s financial services and fintech industry has seen robust growth over the past few years, with the country quickly becoming a hub for innovation and investment. The reasons for this boom are manifold: a large, young population open to digital solutions, a significant unbanked population providing a vast market for financial inclusion, and regulatory support promoting a healthy ecosystem for fintech development. As such, Mexico has become an attractive location for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to establish themselves in the fintech space. Here, we discuss the top cities in Mexico to consider when setting up a financial services or fintech business.

Mexico City

As the country’s capital and largest city, Mexico City is a natural choice. It is the country’s economic and financial center, hosting the Mexican Stock Exchange and numerous multinational corporations. The city is also home to the largest number of fintech startups in Mexico, benefiting from a vast pool of tech-savvy talent, a mature investor ecosystem, and proximity to regulatory bodies. Furthermore, Mexico City is an international metropolis with a vibrant culture, a wide range of services, and an excellent infrastructure that makes it an attractive place to live and work.

Guadalajara

Known as Mexico’s “Silicon Valley,” Guadalajara is another excellent choice. The city has a strong tech focus, hosting numerous tech companies and boasting a vibrant startup ecosystem. It is also home to several universities that provide a continuous supply of fresh talent. Guadalajara’s robust tech infrastructure, coupled with lower operating costs compared to Mexico City, makes it an attractive option for fintech startups.

Monterrey

Monterrey, one of the wealthiest cities in Mexico, is also a thriving business hub. The city is known for its entrepreneurial culture and is home to some of Mexico’s largest corporations. Monterrey also boasts strong links to the US economy, given its proximity to Texas, which can be beneficial for fintech companies aiming to expand into the US market.

Querétaro

Querétaro is an emerging hub for tech and innovation in Mexico. The city has experienced rapid economic growth and has a high standard of living. Querétaro has been investing heavily in education and technology, creating an environment conducive to tech startups and innovation. This, combined with its strategic location close to Mexico City, makes Querétaro an attractive destination for fintech companies.

Tijuana

Tijuana, a vibrant city on the U.S.-Mexico border, offers a unique blend of cultural, economic, and strategic advantages, making it an excellent choice for establishing a financial services business. Here are several compelling reasons why Tijuana stands out as a premier location for your venture.

Proximity to the United States

Tijuana’s geographic location is its most significant advantage. The city sits just across the border from San Diego, California, making it a critical point of connection between the U.S. and Mexico. This proximity offers businesses in Tijuana easy access to the U.S. market, both for serving customers and connecting with partners or investors. This cross-border dynamic is especially beneficial for financial services firms that plan to operate in both countries or cater to cross-border commerce.

Commuting Convenience for Executives

The close proximity between Tijuana and San Diego allows executives and other staff members to enjoy the lifestyle and amenities of San Diego while working in Tijuana. The commute between these two cities is manageable, especially with the “Cross Border Xpress” – an enclosed pedestrian bridge for passengers at the Tijuana International Airport, providing quicker, more reliable access between San Diego and the Tijuana Airport.

Large Number of English Speakers

Tijuana has a substantial English-speaking population, thanks to its close ties with the U.S. and numerous international companies operating in the area. This linguistic proficiency can be a significant asset for a financial services business, especially if it plans to serve an international clientele or work with global partners.

Cost-Effective Business Environment

Operating costs in Tijuana are significantly lower than in many U.S. cities. This cost-effectiveness extends to various aspects of running a business, including salaries, office rent, and operational costs. This cost advantage can be a significant benefit for startups and growing businesses that need to manage their budgets carefully.

Strong Local Economy

Tijuana’s economy is robust and diversified, with strengths in manufacturing, tourism, and services. This economic vitality translates into a vibrant business environment and a large potential customer base for financial services firms.

Quality of Life

Living and working in Tijuana also has its perks. The city boasts a rich cultural scene, with numerous festivals, a thriving arts community, excellent cuisine, and an array of outdoor activities. Tijuana’s pleasant climate is another draw, especially for those accustomed to colder climates.

As you can see, Tijuana presents an appealing blend of strategic, economic, and lifestyle advantages for financial services businesses. Its location offers easy access to the U.S. market, the city has a cost-effective business environment, and it provides a unique lifestyle that blends the best of Mexican culture with the advantages of proximity to the U.S. All these factors combined make Tijuana an excellent choice for setting up a financial services business in Mexico and where I have lived for the past 5 years. 

Conclusion

The best city for setting up a fintech business in Mexico depends on your specific needs and objectives. Each city offers its unique advantages, whether it’s the vibrant startup scene in Mexico City, the tech focus of Guadalajara, the wealth and entrepreneurial spirit of Monterrey, the innovative environment of Querétaro, or the cross-border opportunities in Tijuana. Consider your business’s specific needs, goals, and target market to make the best choice.

For more information on incorporating a SOFOM and building a business in Mexico, please contact me at info@premieroffshore.com. I will be happy to assist you to maximize the benefits of being in Mexico.