Brazil Forces 24-Hour Hold on Large Crypto Transfers Starting 2027

Brazil's central bank is introducing new rules to regulate large crypto transfers starting from January 1, 2027. The rule requires crypto firms to hold certain outbound transfers for up to 24 hours before releasing them. This delay aims to target self-custody wallets and foreign virtual asset platforms that are considered difficult to police.

The trigger for this rule is a single transaction or a customer's combined daily transfers exceeding $10,000 heading to a self-custody wallet or a platform based outside Brazil. Transfers within a regulated domestic exchange or between accounts on the same platform fall outside the rule entirely.

Smaller transfers can still be held if an exchange's own risk controls flag them as suspicious, and firms must document any early release decision and notify the customer. Institutions that fail to comply face the central bank extending the hold period, applying it to smaller transfers, or restricting their ability to release funds early.