Brazil eyes prohibition on stablecoin withdrawals to self-custody wallets

The Central Bank of Brazil (BCB) has unveiled a regulatory proposal prohibiting centralized exchanges from allowing users to withdraw stablecoins to self-custodial wallets.

According to the public consultation notice, the transfer of stablecoins — called “tokens denominated in foreign currencies” — between residents would be restricted in cases where Brazilian law already allows payments in foreign currencies. 

The BCB shared in a statement:

“The initiative reflects our commitment to adapting the financial system to the realities of digital assets while safeguarding the integrity of international capital flows.” 

The move is part of the crypto regulation bill approved in Brazil in December 2022, which determined that the BCB is responsible for creating the rules for the crypto industry in the country.

The public consultation will be open until Feb. 28, 2025, and market participants can share their opinions with the regulator. However, the BCB can override the inputs and do as described in the document.

Balancing regulations

According to the Brazilian central bank, the proposed rules aim to enhance legal certainty for businesses and individuals while fostering competition and efficiency in the foreign exchange market.  

The proposed regulation outlines three core activities for virtual asset services providers operating in the foreign exchange market: facilitating international payments and transfers via crypto, providing exchange or custody services for tokens denominated in Brazilian reais for non-residents, and managing transactions involving tokens pegged to foreign currencies.  

In addition, crypto investments, whether inbound or outbound, would be subject to the same regulatory standards as traditional investments. External credit, direct foreign investment, and Brazilian capital abroad involving crypto would require compliance with existing international capital regulations.

Under the public consultation, centralized exchanges must also get a foreign exchange license to offer stablecoin-related services.

A significant market

According to data from Brazil’s Internal Revenue Service (RFB) published on Nov. 13, nearly 4.4 million Brazilians transferred $4.2 billion in crypto in September.

Stablecoins represented 71.4% of all the value transferred during the month, with roughly $3 billion transacted. Tether USD (USDT) dominated with $2.77 billion moved by Brazilian crypto investors.