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Brazil Reclassifies Stablecoins as Foreign Exchange, Imposes Licensing and Capital Bars on Crypto Firms

The shift brings stablecoin flows into Brazil’s foreign‑exchange regime to close data and enforcement gaps from rapid adoption.

Overview

  • The central bank published Resolutions 519–521 on November 10, setting rules that take effect on February 2, 2026 with monthly reporting starting May 4, 2026 and a nine‑month compliance window to November 2026.
  • All virtual‑asset service providers must obtain authorization as SPSAVs, with foreign companies required to establish a local entity to continue serving Brazilian customers.
  • Minimum capital thresholds range from 10.8 million to 37.2 million reais depending on business type, exceeding levels floated during public consultations.
  • Transactions with unlicensed foreign counterparties are capped at $100,000 per transfer, and licensed intermediaries must identify self‑custody wallet owners and verify asset origin and destination.
  • Purchases, sales and exchanges of fiat‑pegged tokens and relevant cross‑border transfers are now treated as FX operations to extend AML/CFT, governance and consumer‑protection standards, with industry groups warning of consolidation pressure on smaller firms.