Valentina Ríos

Fintech & Payments Analyst · iGaming LatAm

Buenos Aires fintech analyst focused on iGaming payments in LatAm. From Mercado Pago to blockchain, I explore how transactions shape player trust.

"In LatAm gaming, trust starts at checkout."
Spoken at: Fintech LatAm Summit SBC Summit LatAm
Valentina Ríos in a modern office holding coffee, smiling on the way to her desk
Headshot of Valentina Ríos

About

I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, where cash once ruled every corner store. Over the past decade, I've watched LatAm leap from cash‑first to wallet‑first, and I've made it my career to analyze that shift. Today I work at the crossroads of fintech and iGaming, helping operators navigate payments in Argentina and across LatAm. Whether it's Mercado Pago, card installments, or cross‑border crypto flows, my focus is on making digital transactions secure, transparent, and player‑friendly.

Expertise

From Mercado Pago to blockchain rails — I help operators design payment experiences that improve adoption and reduce checkout drop‑off.

Digital wallets

Mercado Pago, PayU, AstroPay — selection, integration, adoption.

Credit/debit + cuotas (AR)

Cultural fit and financial logic for Argentina's installment model.

Blockchain rails & crypto

Speed and privacy balanced with volatility and compliance.

Cross‑border settlement

AR–BR–UY corridors, FX and operational best practices.

AML/KYC (light)

Transparent processes that don't break UX.

Payments UX

Clear options, visible fees, trustworthy flows.

Methodology: Responsible Payments

Player trust is built at checkout. My approach combines local methods, UX clarity, and transparent fees — so deposits feel safe and familiar.

  • Local options first (wallets, cuotas, PIX/instant rails)
  • Visible fees & predictable steps
  • Light AML/KYC without friction
  • Education where needed (crypto flows, stablecoins)
  • Continuous A/B testing to reduce abandonment

Latest Insights

Deep dives into LatAm payments, fintech trends, and iGaming innovation.

Contact

For consulting, audits or speaking, email me or send a quick message.

Also on LinkedIn · Twitter/X · Medium