The Brazilian central bank requires cryptocurrency service providers to undergo financial audits and tightens licensing rules

According to Bits.media, the Central Bank of Brazil has tightened the licensing rules for virtual asset service providers, requiring them to undergo independent financial audits before obtaining operational licenses starting June 1. The auditing firms must not only examine the company's financial status but also review its compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations, including whether the platform separates its own funds from customer assets, its risk management practices, and employee training. Auditors must be registered with the Brazilian Securities Commission. Cryptocurrency exchanges, brokerage firms, and custody services applying for a license for the first time must comply with these requirements from the start of the registration process, and companies that already hold licenses must also pass independent audits when renewing.

Brazil first clarified in legislation in 2022 that virtual asset services are regulated by the central bank, establishing a category for licensed virtual asset service providers in November 2025. Additionally, Brazil recently imposed a complete ban on 28 betting and prediction market platforms, including Polymarket and Kalshi, on the grounds that they did not comply with local derivatives trading requirements. Starting October 1, Brazilian electronic foreign exchange providers will be prohibited from using cryptocurrencies for international remittances.