- Brazil will apply the IOF tax to international crypto transfers to strengthen foreign exchange controls.
- Stablecoins, led by USDT, dominate domestic crypto activity and drive most cross-border transfer volume.
- New central bank resolutions place crypto firms under stricter registration, monitoring, and compliance requirements.
Brazil prepares new steps that will bring cross-border crypto payments under tighter government oversight. The Finance Ministry plans to apply the IOF financial transaction tax to international crypto transfers. Officials focus on stablecoin activity because many transactions use assets like USDT to bypass foreign exchange charges. This change aims to address revenue gaps as authorities monitor rapid growth in crypto adoption. The measure comes during a period of significant fiscal pressure across several policy fronts.
Stablecoins Drive Most Domestic Crypto Activity
Regulators track a surge in Brazil’s crypto market , and stablecoins shape most activity. Federal tax figures show crypto transactions reached 227 billion reais during the first half of 2025. That amount shows a 20% increase from the same period in the previous year. Stablecoins represent nearly two-thirds of all recorded activity, and USDT holds the largest share. Bitcoin accounts for about 11% of local trading. Officials state that stablecoins support payment flows rather than investment strategies.
Federal Police teams monitor imports that rely on crypto channels. Investigators report that these routes reduce foreign exchange oversight and weaken government revenue. Authorities estimate that crypto-related imports cost the country more than $30 billion each year. As a result, regulators want stronger controls on payment structures that connect domestic users to international partners.
New Foreign Exchange Framework Covers Crypto Transfers
Brazil’s central bank adopted a new regulatory structure that begins in February. The framework includes Resolutions 519, 520, and 521. These measures apply to custodians, exchanges, intermediaries, and foreign companies that operate inside Brazil. Firms must register as SPSAVs and follow rules on anti-money-laundering controls, disclosures, audits, and data protection.
The requirements also include minimum capital levels that reach 37.2 million reais. Regulators introduced heightened scrutiny for cross-border crypto movements through Resolution 521. The rule places stablecoins and several virtual-asset transactions inside the foreign exchange system. The coverage applies to international payments, crypto transfers connected to card usage, and movements to or from self-custody wallets.
Firms must identify clients, track thresholds, and monitor activity across relevant channels. The central bank reports that stablecoins represent nearly 90% of Brazil’s crypto transfer volume. Officials state that service providers will need strong on-chain tools to support the expanded monitoring process under the new foreign exchange rules.
