Brazil Mandates VASP Authorization, Sets $100K Transfer Cap

• Brazil’s central bank has introduced sweeping new crypto regulations, mandating formal authorization for all VASPs (SPSAVs).
• The new framework places crypto transfers under foreign exchange rules, capping transactions with unapproved counterparties at $100,000.
• The rules take effect in February 2026, with a final compliance deadline of November 2026, as Brazil moves to regulate its $318.8B market.

Brazil’s central bank has rolled out one of Latin America’s most comprehensive crypto regulatory frameworks. This new mandate introduces mandatory authorization requirements for all digital asset service providers (SPSAVs). It also imposes a $100,000 limit on certain transactions involving unapproved counterparties.

The rules are to combat fraud, scams, and money laundering while aligning Brazil with global standards for digital finance oversight.

Mandatory Authorization for All Crypto Firms

Under the new framework, all Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) must obtain formal authorization from the Central Bank of Brazil before operating. The bank has classified providers into three categories:

• Intermediaries
• Custodians
• Brokers

Each group must meet specific operational, governance, and compliance standards similar to those applied to traditional financial institutions.

Stablecoins and FX Transfers Fall Under New $100K Cap

The rules extend core financial-sector protection mechanisms to crypto companies. This includes:

• Customer protection standards
• Governance and internal controls
• Cybersecurity frameworks
• Risk management programs
• Incident response systems
• Anti–money laundering and counter-terrorism financing policies

Providers that meet these requirements will be authorized to operate legally within the country’s regulated perimeter.

Brazil’s central bank also confirmed that fiat-backed stablecoin purchases, as well as cross-border transfers involving virtual assets, will now fall under the nation’s foreign exchange regulations.

Any crypto payment or transfer conducted with an unauthorized counterparty will be capped at $100,000, according to the resolution.

Regulation director Gilneu Vivan said the measures aim to strengthen transparency, protect consumers, and curb the use of digital assets for illicit activity.

Compliance Deadline Set for November 2026

The newly approved rules take effect in February 2026. Accordingly, crypto firms will have nine months, until November 2026, to fully adapt their operations and meet the updated standards. Any institution that fails to comply with the deadline will be required to cease digital asset activities.

Brazil Strengthens Its Lead in Latin America’s Crypto Market

Brazil remains the dominant crypto player in Latin America, backed by strong institutional engagement and rising user adoption. According to Chainalysis:

• Brazil ranks fifth globally in the 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index, up from 10th in 2024.
• Between July 2024 and June 2025, the country received $318.8 billion in crypto value.
• This figure accounts for nearly one-third of all crypto activity in Latin America.

Recent remarks from central bank chief Gabriel Galipolo highlight the country’s accelerating crypto usage, with as much as 90% of transactional flow tied to stablecoins.

As oversight expands through 2025 and into 2026, Brazil seeks to maintain its central position in the region’s digital asset landscape, supported by a clearer regulatory environment.

Related: Brazil Central Bank Responds to $140M Heist That Breached Key Technology Supplier