Brazil Imposes Up To 24-Hour Holds On High-Value Crypto Transfers

Brazil's central bank is implementing new anti-fraud rules for cryptocurrency transfers. The rules require regulated virtual asset service providers (VASPs) to temporarily hold certain outbound payments, including those above $10,000 sent to foreign platforms or self-custody wallets. This precautionary hold can last up to 24 hours and also applies to other transfers flagged by the provider's risk-management systems.

The new rules take effect on January 1, 2027, and VASPs will need to disclose holds to customers and keep detailed records of fraud-related events and responses. While the hold is not necessarily an automatic full delay in every case, VASPs can release transfers early if they complete their assessment within the 24-hour period.

Brazil's central bank move comes as regulators globally respond to crypto scams that are enabled by fast settlement and the borderless nature of digital assets. The new framework mirrors a growing trend: slowing down or gating withdrawals and outbound transfers long enough to detect fraud patterns.