Brazil Tightens Regulations on Cryptocurrency Market

Brazil Plans to Implement New Rules on the Cryptocurrency Market. Companies operating in the country will need to obtain an appropriate license by October 30, 2026, otherwise they will be unable to continue their activities.

Brazil is one of the largest cryptocurrency markets in the world. According to CertiK data, in the one-year period through June 2025, the volume of cryptocurrency transactions conducted in the country reached $318.8 billion. Brazil accounts for nearly one-third of all crypto transactions conducted in Latin America.

The new requirements will apply to companies that offer users the ability to buy and sell, store, or transfer cryptocurrencies. They will need authorization from Brazil's Central Bank. Companies will also need to undergo an independent audit to confirm that they have implemented appropriate measures against money laundering and sanctions violations.

To obtain a license, companies will need capital ranging from $2 million to $6.7 million, depending on the type of activity. Foreign platforms will need to establish an official representative office in Brazil, for which they will have 270 days.

The Central Bank is paying particular attention to the widespread use of stablecoins. In Brazil, approximately 80% of operations conducted with cryptocurrencies involve stablecoins pegged to the dollar, most commonly USDT. Their proliferation at such a scale is already having an impact not only on the cryptocurrency market but also on the country's financial system.

Another reason for stricter regulation is security. According to CertiK, in the first half of 2026, losses in the crypto sector from hacking attacks and fraud reached $1.32 billion.

Compliance with the new rules will be particularly difficult for smaller companies, which is why some of them already prefer to cooperate with licensed partners. After October 30, operating in Brazil's crypto market without Central Bank authorization will no longer be possible.

Source: Yahoo Finance