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Brazil Tightens Crypto Rules With New Central Bank Framework

Arslan TabishNovember 13, 2025Last Updated: November 13, 2025

3 minutes read

Brazil requires all crypto service providers to obtain central bank authorization. New rules apply foreign-exchange oversight to stablecoins and international transfers. Firms need strict compliance, risk controls, and cybersecurity to operate legally. Brazil’s central bank introduced a new regulatory framework to tighten oversight of the digital asset sector. The measures require all virtual asset service providers to obtain authorization. The rules also extend existing financial safeguards to the crypto market. The resolution marks a major step toward aligning digital asset activity with national compliance and security standards this year. The rules classify service providers as intermediaries, custodians, or brokers. Each category must be authorized by the central bank before operations begin. The resolution places these entities under the same regulatory umbrella used for foreign exchange and international capital market activities. Broader Rules for Crypto Oversight The framework extends existing banking requirements to crypto firms. These include customer protection procedures, governance policies, internal controls, and systems designed to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. The central bank states that these measures are necessary to align the sector with long-standing standards applied across Brazil’s financial structure. Companies must implement compliance programs that meet defined benchmarks. They must also build risk-management systems that monitor activities within their platforms. Cybersecurity policies are required as well, including protocols for handling security incidents and reporting breaches. Firms that satisfy the full set of requirements would be eligible for operational authorization. The resolution includes specific rules involving stablecoins. Purchases or sales of fiat-pegged stablecoins fall under foreign exchange oversight. Virtual asset transfers or settlements used in international operations are also subject to foreign exchange rules. If a transaction involves an unauthorized counterparty, the transfer would be capped at $100,000 under the new limits. Tighter Oversight Amid Rising Crypto Use Central bank regulation director Gilnew Vivan said the measures are intended to reduce exposure to scams, fraud schemes, and laundering risks tied to digital assets. He stated that the sector requires tighter monitoring due to increasing transaction volumes and the growing role of crypto in domestic payments. The rules would take effect in February 2026. CNN Brazil reports that companies would be given nine months to bring their operations into compliance. Firms that do not meet the requirements by November 2026 must shut down operations, according to the central bank. Brazil is currently the leading digital asset market in Latin America. It ranks fifth worldwide in the 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index from Chainalysis, rising from tenth place in 2024. Between July 2024 and June 2025, Brazil received $318.8 billion in crypto value, representing nearly one-third of Latin America’s total activity during that period. Related: Brazil Enforces $7 Million Crypto Capital Rule and FX Limits Central bank president Gabriel Galipolo noted earlier this year that stablecoin usage has surged over the past three years. He said that roughly 90% of the domestic crypto flow involves stablecoins. He also acknowledged that stablecoin activity presents challenges for monitoring tax obligations and identifying laundering risks. Brazil also hosts the region’s largest collection of crypto exchange-traded funds. These include products tracking Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and other major assets. Government officials have discussed long-term digital asset strategies, including the possibility of a strategic Bitcoin reserve, though no formal proposal has been released. The new regulatory framework reflects an effort to bring greater transparency to Brazil’s expanding crypto market. The measures aim to strengthen oversight while maintaining operational standards similar to those governing conventional financial institutions. The central bank states that this approach would support stability as digital asset usage continues to grow nationwide.

Brazil requires all crypto service providers to obtain central bank authorization.
New rules apply foreign-exchange oversight to stablecoins and international transfers.
Firms need strict compliance, risk controls, and cybersecurity to operate legally.

Brazil’s central bank introduced a new regulatory framework to tighten oversight of the digital asset sector. The measures require all virtual asset service providers to obtain authorization. The rules also extend existing financial safeguards to the crypto market. The resolution marks a major step toward aligning digital asset activity with national compliance and security standards this year.

The rules classify service providers as intermediaries, custodians, or brokers. Each category must be authorized by the central bank before operations begin. The resolution places these entities under the same regulatory umbrella used for foreign exchange and international capital market activities.

Broader Rules for Crypto Oversight

The framework extends existing banking requirements to crypto firms. These include customer protection procedures, governance policies, internal controls, and systems designed to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. The central bank states that these measures are necessary to align the sector with long-standing standards applied across Brazil’s financial structure.

Companies must implement compliance programs that meet defined benchmarks. They must also build risk-management systems that monitor activities within their platforms. Cybersecurity policies are required as well, including protocols for handling security incidents and reporting breaches. Firms that satisfy the full set of requirements would be eligible for operational authorization.

The resolution includes specific rules involving stablecoins. Purchases or sales of fiat-pegged stablecoins fall under foreign exchange oversight. Virtual asset transfers or settlements used in international operations are also subject to foreign exchange rules. If a transaction involves an unauthorized counterparty, the transfer would be capped at $100,000 under the new limits.

Tighter Oversight Amid Rising Crypto Use

Central bank regulation director Gilnew Vivan said the measures are intended to reduce exposure to scams, fraud schemes, and laundering risks tied to digital assets. He stated that the sector requires tighter monitoring due to increasing transaction volumes and the growing role of crypto in domestic payments.

The rules would take effect in February 2026. CNN Brazil reports that companies would be given nine months to bring their operations into compliance. Firms that do not meet the requirements by November 2026 must shut down operations, according to the central bank.

Brazil is currently the leading digital asset market in Latin America. It ranks fifth worldwide in the 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index from Chainalysis, rising from tenth place in 2024. Between July 2024 and June 2025, Brazil received $318.8 billion in crypto value, representing nearly one-third of Latin America’s total activity during that period.

Central bank president Gabriel Galipolo noted earlier this year that stablecoin usage has surged over the past three years. He said that roughly 90% of the domestic crypto flow involves stablecoins. He also acknowledged that stablecoin activity presents challenges for monitoring tax obligations and identifying laundering risks.

Brazil also hosts the region’s largest collection of crypto exchange-traded funds. These include products tracking Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and other major assets. Government officials have discussed long-term digital asset strategies, including the possibility of a strategic Bitcoin reserve, though no formal proposal has been released.

The new regulatory framework reflects an effort to bring greater transparency to Brazil’s expanding crypto market. The measures aim to strengthen oversight while maintaining operational standards similar to those governing conventional financial institutions. The central bank states that this approach would support stability as digital asset usage continues to grow nationwide.

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