Brazil Orders 24-Hour Delay on Large Crypto Transfers Abroad

Brazil's central bank has ordered cryptocurrency exchanges to delay certain large transfers abroad and to self-custody wallets for up to 24 hours, a new antifraud measure set to take effect on January 1, 2027. The rule, published as Resolution BCB No. 5842026 on August 7, 2026, applies to transfers exceeding the equivalent of 10,000 in value, whether through a single transaction or a customer's cumulative daily transfers. Smaller transactions may also face delays if an exchange flags them as risky.

The central bank stated the measure is designed to combat the growing use of cryptocurrencies, including stablecoins, to rapidly move funds obtained through financial fraud. By creating a mandatory hold period, authorities aim to give exchanges and financial institutions a window to review suspicious transactions before the funds can be moved further. The bank emphasized that the delay is not a permanent asset freeze and that transfers will be completed once the review period concludes.

Under the new framework, exchanges will bear greater responsibility for assessing risk based on the customer, transaction details, counterparty, and destination jurisdiction. They must document their...