Brazil Central Bank Outlaws Pooled ‘Contas‑Bolsão’ and Rolls Out Activity‑Based Capital Regime

Overview

• Starting December 1, 2025, institutions must compulsorily close accounts used to mask or replace third‑party obligations in violation of regulations.
• The Banco Central defines “contas‑bolsão” as accounts where the holder moves funds for others to conceal or substitute those parties’ financial obligations.
• Banks, fintechs, and payment institutions must set their own identification criteria, draw on public and private data sources, and retain closure documentation for at least ten years.
• Alongside the closures rule, the Banco Central and the National Monetary Council introduced a capital framework calculated by activities and inclusive of technology infrastructure costs.
• New capital rules take effect immediately with a transition for incumbents: keep old requirements until June 30, 2026, then add 25% of the gap by Dec. 31, 2026, 50% by June 30, 2027, and 75% by Dec. 31, 2027, with an extra buffer for entities using the term “bank.”