Brazil's central bank orders exchanges to delay large crypto transfers abroad
Brazil's central bank has mandated that crypto exchanges must hold large international transfers exceeding $10,000 for up to 24 hours to prevent financial fraud. The regulation, effective in 2027, aims to curb the use of digital assets in money laundering and illicit activities.
Why it matters
This move signals increasing regulatory scrutiny of cryptocurrency flows in emerging markets to combat financial crime.
The requirement takes effect Jan. 1, 2027 under Resolution BCB No. 584/2026 , published Aug. 7.
The rule applies when a customer deposits the country’s fiat currency reais, or crypto with an exchange and then seeks to send the funds abroad or to a wallet they control.
Transfers exceeding the equivalent of $10,000, whether through a single transaction or several on the same day, are subject to the required hold. Smaller transfers may also face delays if an exchange flags them as risky.
The central bank said cryptocurrencies, including stablecoins, are being used to move funds obtained through financial fraud before victims or institutions can recover them.
The hold isn’t permanent. Exchanges can release a transfer before 24 hours if their risk review finds no signs of wrongdoing. They must document that decision and tell customers when a transaction has been placed on hold.
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