In a significant move to enhance the oversight of cross-border betting transactions, the Central Bank of Brazil has issued Resolution No. 561/2026.
This regulatory update specifically targets international payment and transfer services (eFX), introducing a specialized classification system designed to trace the financial flow of the country’s rapidly expanding online gambling market.
The “34045” Betting Code: A New Era of Tracing
Starting October 1, 2026, all international financial transactions related to betting activities must be classified under the specific code “34045“. This update, which amends Annex V of Resolution No. 277/2022, is intended to provide Brazilian authorities with unprecedented transparency.
By assigning a dedicated code to iGaming, the Central Bank can more effectively monitor financial volumes, identify potential irregularities, and ensure that cross-border wealth remains within the legal framework of the betting industry.
Strict Limits and the Virtual Asset Ban
The resolution by Central Bank of Brazil also introduces rigorous caps on eFX technologies. For payments made without direct integration with an e-commerce platform, a strict limit of USD 10,000 has been imposed. This same cap applies to payments connected to wider financial market operations.
Furthermore, the Central Bank has effectively prohibited the use of crypto assets in these transactions. All payments between eFX operators and foreign counterparties must be conducted in foreign currency or Brazilian reais deposited in non-resident accounts.
Virtual assets are explicitly banned from these operations. Operators must also verify that all transferred funds originate solely from legitimate user accounts. Payment instruments are limited to boleto or non-reloadable instruments capped at BRL 1,000, with a total ban on the offsetting of incoming and outgoing payments.
Compliance and Reporting Deadlines
Institutions providing eFX services have until October 30, 2026, to register their modality under the new requirements. Non-authorized entities must secure permits by May 2027 or face mandatory cessation of operations.
To facilitate auditing, all records must be maintained for a minimum of ten years, with monthly transaction data reported to the Central Bank by the 10th of each following month.
