Brazil's New Crypto Rules Hold Overseas Transfers for 24 Hours

The central bank's move responds to criminals using stablecoins and other cryptocurrencies to move funds obtained through fraud before banks or authorities can intervene. Brazil has seen a rise in so-called "oranges" – individuals who lend their accounts to criminal groups for a fee – and authorities have been tightening oversight of digital asset flows.

The 24-hour window mirrors similar measures in other jurisdictions that have sought to slow the movement of illicit funds without freezing accounts outright. For exchanges operating in Brazil, the change means building out compliance teams that can review holds quickly, since releasing funds early requires documented due diligence.

Brazil's crypto market has grown rapidly, with stablecoin trading volumes surging as users seek a hedge against the real's depreciation. That growth has drawn scrutiny from the central bank, which has said it is monitoring the sector for financial stability risks.

The resolution is part of a broader push by Brazilian authorities to bring crypto activity under the same anti-fraud and anti-money-laundering rules that apply to traditional finance. Whether the measure deters criminals or simply pushes them to other channels will become clearer after it takes effect.

Exchanges have until Jan. 1 to adjust their systems and customer-facing processes. The central bank has not said whether it plans to extend the holding period or broaden the rules to cover other types of transfers.