Central Bank of Brazil introduces 24-hour delay for certain virtual asset transfers

The Central Bank of Brazil has issued Resolution BCB No. 584, which amends Resolution No. 142/2021 to expand fraud prevention controls to virtual asset services. Effective January 1, 2027, the new regulation introduces a 24-hour mandatory retention period for specific transfers.

This delay applies to transfers destined for foreign entities operating in the virtual asset market or to self-custodied wallets, provided the transaction or the client's daily aggregate exceeds the equivalent of US$ 10,000. The rule also applies to transactions that, based on an institution's risk criteria, require retention for analysis.

While the Central Bank aims to strengthen fraud prevention, legal experts note that the rule may impact the efficiency of stablecoins, which are valued for near-instantaneous settlements. The regulation does not constitute a general freeze on assets but serves as a precautionary measure for risk analysis.