Brazil Bans Virtual Assets in eFX International Payment Channels

Table of Contents Brazil’s central bank has tightened rules for cross-border payment providers under its eFX framework. The regulator has prohibited the use of virtual assets in settlements between domestic providers and foreign partners. The move restricts crypto usage within supervised international payment channels while maintaining oversight of foreign exchange flows. Banco Central do Brasil issued Resolution BCB No. 561 to amend rules governing eFX services. The resolution mandates that all payments between eFX providers and foreign entities use foreign exchange transactions. The regulator also requires settlement through non-resident Brazilian real accounts when applicable. It explicitly bans the use of virtual assets in these regulated cross-border operations. The central bank stated that payments must occur “exclusively through a foreign exchange transaction or movement in a non-resident account.” The rule applies to all approved eFX providers operating under the framework. The measure does not ban crypto activity across Brazil’s financial system. However, it restricts crypto and stablecoins within regulated international payment rails. The resolution also addresses firms that have not yet secured authorization under eFX categories. These providers may continue operations temporarily under defined transitional conditions. They must submit authorization requests to the central bank by May 31, 2027. Until then, they must comply with the same settlement restrictions using foreign exchange or non-resident accounts. The central bank clarified that transitional providers cannot use virtual assets in any payment or receipt process. This requirement ensures consistency across all entities operating in the eFX structure. Officials framed the rule as part of ongoing regulatory adjustments for cross-border payments. The update aligns eFX services with existing foreign exchange supervision standards. The policy follows rising concern about stablecoin use in Brazil’s payment ecosystem. Authorities reported strong growth in crypto adoption, especially for cross-border transactions. Governor Gabriel Galipolo stated that about 90% of crypto flows relate to stablecoins. He warned that such usage raises issues tied to taxation, money laundering, and asset backing. In November 2025, the central bank introduced rules for virtual asset service providers. Those rules included licensing requirements and oversight for foreign exchange-linked crypto services. A technical note sent to Congress outlined risks from stablecoins issued outside central bank supervision. It warned that real-denominated stablecoins could affect monetary control and regulatory balance. The document also raised concerns about foreign-currency stablecoins and jurisdictional challenges. It highlighted risks tied to capital flows and fragmentation within payment systems. Discover top-performing stocks in AI, Crypto, and Technology with expert analysis.