Brazil Imposes 24-Hour Delay on High-Value Crypto Transfers

Brazil's central bank is taking steps to combat crypto scams by introducing stricter regulations for cryptocurrency transfers. The new rule, set to take effect in 2027, will impose a 24-hour delay on transactions exceeding $10,000 made to self-custody wallets or foreign virtual-asset service providers.

The regulation aims to give institutions more time to identify and block suspicious activity, thereby preventing the transfer of funds connected to financial scams. According to the central bank, this measure does not imply freezing or permanently blocking cryptocurrency assets, as legal transactions can still take place after necessary checks are completed.

Brazil's crypto market has seen significant growth, with its on-chain value reaching $318 billion between July 2024 and June 2025, roughly one-third of the total for Latin America. However, this expansion has also attracted illicit actors, with over 50% of suspected inflows to certain Brazilian exchanges in 2025 linked to drug traffickers, sanctions evaders, and money-laundering networks operating in China.

The demand for cryptocurrency assets in Brazil increased by 135% year-over-year in H1 2026, rising from $6.24 billion in H1 2025 to $14.68 billion. Additionally, Tether invested $20 million in Mercado Bitcoin, a regulated platform with its headquarters in Brazil.