Brazil orders 24-hour crypto transfer holds

The Central Bank of Brazil has issued a resolution requiring virtual asset service providers to hold certain cryptoasset transfers for up to 24 hours before executing them. The rule applies to transactions above $10,000, whether in a single transfer or in the total amount of a customer's movements over the same day, when the recipient is a foreign virtual asset firm or a self-custody wallet.

Scope of the measure

The resolution, identified in Bitcoin News coverage as 584/2026, amends Resolution 142/2021 to add fraud prevention procedures for institutions in the Brazilian Payments System that operate with digital assets. Reuters reported that the central bank said the decision responds to the growing use of virtual assets, including stablecoins, to move funds obtained through financial fraud.

The rule does not amount to a permanent freeze on assets. It can also apply to other transactions that require closer scrutiny under risk management policies. Bitcoin News also reported that the hold is preventive and that funds may be released before the 24-hour period ends if the risk assessment finds no issues.

When it takes effect

The new rules will take effect on January 1, 2027, according to the resolution cited by Reuters. Until then, virtual asset service providers will need to adjust their procedures to account for this precautionary hold on transfers above the threshold that are sent to a foreign VASP or a self-custody wallet.