Brazilian Central Bank Adopted Rules for Crypto Market

• The Central Bank of Brazil has regulated the crypto asset market with three resolutions that will come into force in February 2026.
• According to them, it introduces licensing for companies with virtual assets, and some crypto transactions are equated to foreign exchange.
• In addition, the new rules provide for a $100,000 limit on international transfers.

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The Central Bank of Brazil announced the approval of three key resolutions — No. 519, No. 520, and No. 521 — that define the rules for companies working with virtual assets, the procedure for their authorization, and the regulation of the use of crypto assets in foreign exchange transactions and international capital.

The decisions are the result of public consultations involving representatives of the crypto industry, banking sector, law firms, and international organizations.

The documents will come into force on February 2, 2026.

In turn, Resolution No. 520 establishes rules for the operation of service providers with virtual assets (SPSAVs), companies that will be able to officially provide crypto services. They will be divided into three types: intermediaries, custodian companies, and crypto brokers. Such structures will be able to operate only after receiving permission from the Central Bank.

The scope of regulation includes customer protection, anti-money laundering, and countering the financing of terrorism, corporate governance, information security, internal control, and information disclosure.

Meanwhile, Resolution No. 519 describes the procedures for obtaining an operating permit for new and existing companies that already operate with virtual assets.

The document also updates the rules for segments previously regulated by the National Monetary Policy Council, including currency brokers and securities distributors.

The Central Bank has set uniform standards and application deadlines for all companies planning to legally operate in the crypto asset sector.

At the same time, Resolution No. 521 for the first time equated some cryptocurrency transactions with foreign exchange and international capital transactions. From now on, transactions involving virtual assets include:

• International payments or transfers using crypto assets
• Transactions for the repayment of international obligations, in particular, card payments
• Transfers between autocustodian wallets — subject to identification of the owner
• Purchase, sale, or exchange of virtual assets pegged to fiat currency

For companies not authorized to operate in the foreign exchange market, the limit on international crypto payments is $100,000, and licensed operators are required to comply with the standards for conventional currency transactions.

The new rules also cover the use of crypto assets in foreign loans and foreign direct investment to increase efficiency, prevent regulatory arbitrage and ensure transparency in national statistics.

In addition, starting from May 4, 2026, it will become mandatory to report to the Central Bank all transactions with virtual assets in the foreign exchange market and international capital markets.

The regulatory changes come against the backdrop of legislative initiative PL 957/2025, which provides for the possibility of paying salaries in crypto assets, provided that at least half of the amount is paid in fiat.

As a reminder, in July 2025, the Central Bank of Brazil experienced a cyberattack that stole about $140 million through the hacking of the software provider C&M Software. Part of the money was laundered through bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT.