The regulation of virtual assets and cryptocurrencies in Brazil
January 13, 2026
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Virtual assets, which include well-known cryptocurrencies, were recently regulated by the Central Bank of Brazil (BACEN – Banco Central do Brasil, or BCB) through Rules #519/2025, #520/2025, and #521/2025. This follows the enactment of Federal Statute #14,478/22 in 2022, which established “guidelines to be observed in the provision of virtual asset services and in the regulation of virtual asset service providers,” thereby inaugurating regulation on this matter in Brazil. The aforementioned law, however, was limited to establishing general guidelines and requiring prior authorization for companies to operate in the sector. It did not detail the procedure for obtaining this authorization or expressly designate the responsible regulatory body – though it was anticipated that this responsibility would fall to the BACEN.
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Requirements for Payment Institutions in Brazil Following the Recent Publications of BCB Rule #495/2025 and Joint Rule #14/2025
November 27, 2025
The Brazilian payments market has stood out for its intense innovation and growth, driven by the increasing digitalization of the economy and the demand for more agile and accessible financial solutions. The rise of new technologies, such as Pix , and the rise of a diverse ecosystem of payment institutions have radically transformed the country's financial landscape. In this dynamic context, the Central Bank of Brazil (BCB) plays an essential role as the main regulator and supervisor, aiming to ensure the soundness, efficiency, security, and transparency of operations within the Brazilian Payment System (SPB) .
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Brazil’s Sports Betting Act: Statute #14,740/2023 and the new paradigm for regulating gambling and betting
October 10, 2025
One of the most discussed topics in Brazil in recent years has been the introduction and rapid expansion of the sports betting market. Fixed-odds betting has overwhelmingly dominated this sector, becoming the leading sponsor of Brazilian football teams.
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Typologies of money laundering and terrorist financing by COAF
September 25, 2025
Preventing money laundering (ML) and terrorist financing (TF) is a global priority due to the threat these crimes pose to the integrity of financial systems, national security, and the socioeconomic stability of nations. In Brazil, the fight against these crimes is a key focus, driven by international commitments, robust domestic legislation, and the work of specialized bodies such as the Council for Financial Activities Control (COAF – Conselho de Controle de Atividades Financeiras), which is now also known as Brazil’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and operates under the Ministry of Finance.
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