Brazil’s Central Bank to Delay Large Crypto Transfers Abroad Starting 2027

Brazil’s central bank will require crypto exchanges to delay certain customer transfers to foreign platforms and self-custody wallets for up to 24 hours, part of a new anti-fraud measure set to take effect January 1, 2027.

Rule Targets Transfers Over $10,000

Under Resolution BCB No. 584/2026, published August 7, the hold applies when customers deposit Brazilian reais or crypto with an exchange and later attempt to send funds abroad or to a wallet they personally control. Transfers exceeding roughly $10,000, whether as a single transaction or combined transactions within the same day, will automatically trigger the delay. Smaller transfers can also be held if flagged as risky by the exchange itself.

Purpose Behind the Delay

The central bank said the measure responds to growing use of cryptocurrencies, including stablecoins, to move funds tied to financial fraud before victims or institutions can intervene. The hold isn’t automatic or fixed at 24 hours, exchanges can release funds earlier if their risk review finds no red flags, though they must document that decision and notify customers when a transfer has been placed on hold. The rule also expands exchanges’ responsibility to assess risk based on the customer, transaction details, counterparty, and destination jurisdiction.

Industry Pushback

Regina Pedroso, president of Brazilian tokenization group Abtoken, warned the policy could add costs for legitimate users and weaken the competitiveness of domestic exchanges compared to international platforms.