Brazil Central Bank Sets 24-Hour Hold for Some Overseas Crypto Transfers

Brazil’s central bank has ordered crypto exchanges to delay some customer transfers to foreign platforms and self-custody wallets for up to 24 hours under new anti-fraud rules. The measure is part of Resolution BCB No. 584/2026, published on Aug. 7, and is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.

The rule matters because it adds a new compliance layer to cross-border crypto activity in Brazil, particularly for users moving funds out of local exchanges. It also places more responsibility on exchanges to evaluate transaction risk before allowing funds to leave their platforms.

The mandatory hold applies when a customer deposits Brazilian reais or crypto with an exchange and then seeks to transfer the funds abroad or to a wallet they control. Transfers above the equivalent of $10,000, whether made in one transaction or across several transactions on the same day, will fall under the requirement.

Smaller transfers can also be delayed if an exchange identifies them as risky. According to the central bank, cryptocurrencies, including stablecoins, are being used to move proceeds from financial fraud before victims or institutions can recover the funds.

The delay is not automatically permanent for the full 24 hours. Exchanges may release a transaction earlier if a risk review finds no signs of wrongdoing, but they must document the decision and notify customers when a transfer has been placed on hold.

The measure has drawn concern from parts of Brazil’s crypto industry. Regina Pedroso, president of tokenization group Abtoken, said the policy could raise costs for legitimate users and weaken the competitiveness of domestic exchanges, according to local outlet Portal do Bitcoin.