Brazil's central bank has imposed new regulations prohibiting the use of virtual assets in specific regulated international payment services, marking a significant shift in the oversight of crypto-linked transactions. This decision was formalized in Resolution BCB No. 561, which was published on May 1, 2026, and aims to enhance control over cross-border payment mechanisms under the eFX framework.
The central bank's directive mandates that all transactions between eFX providers and their foreign counterparts must utilize foreign exchange transactions or movements in non-resident Brazilian real accounts, explicitly excluding virtual assets. This restriction also applies to transitional eFX providers that have not yet received full authorization; they must seek approval by May 31, 2027, while still adhering to the new transaction requirements.
While this action does not represent a total ban on crypto transactions in Brazil, it effectively limits the use of cryptocurrencies and stablecoins within the regulated eFX sector. The central bank's initiative reflects ongoing efforts to integrate virtual assets into the country’s financial regulations as their use in payments and transfers continues to rise.