Brazil Forces Crypto Exchanges to Hold Transfers for 24 Hours

The Brazilian central bank has introduced a new regulation that requires cryptocurrency exchanges to hold certain transfers for 24 hours before releasing funds. This measure aims to prevent fraud and give banks, exchanges, and victims time to intervene before stolen funds disappear across borders.

The rule targets transfers exceeding $10,000 in crypto or stablecoins, as well as smaller transactions flagged by risk controls. Exchanges can release funds early if their review clears the transaction, but they must document the decision and notify the customer.

The regulation takes effect on January 1, 2027, giving exchanges about a year and a half to prepare before enforcement begins. The central bank's reasoning centers on timing, as fraud victims typically discover they've been scammed hours or days after the money has already moved.