Virtual asset firms must secure Central Bank authorization by October 30, 2026, or face regulatory action in Latin America’s largest crypto market.
Brazil will require virtual asset service providers to obtain Central Bank authorization by October 30, 2026, as part of a push to formalize its $319 billion crypto market. Firms must submit independent audits to comply with new rules under Law 14,478/2022, which took effect after the Central Bank issued three resolutions on November 10, 2025.
The country ranks fifth globally in crypto adoption, with $318.8 billion in on-chain transactions over the past year, nearly a third of Latin America’s total activity. Argentina and Mexico trail behind, combining for less than half of Brazil’s volume. The move follows $1.32 billion in crypto thefts in the first half of 2026, underscoring security concerns.
Regulators aim to enhance oversight of exchanges, wallets, and other platforms, shifting from voluntary compliance to mandatory audits and governance standards. The deadline marks a critical step in integrating Brazil’s crypto ecosystem into the formal financial system.