Key Highlights
- The Central Bank of Brazil enacted Resolution No. 561/2026, establishing transaction code “34045” for all cross-border online betting payments effective October 1, 2026
- A maximum limit of $10,000 USD now applies to eFX payments made without e-commerce platform connections
- Cryptocurrency and other virtual assets are prohibited for use in eFX operator settlements with international partners
- Banking institutions are required to maintain transaction documentation for a minimum of ten years and provide monthly reporting to regulatory authorities
- eFX providers face an October 30, 2026 registration deadline, with authorization requirements extending to May 2027 before mandatory service cessation
The Central Bank of Brazil has unveiled Resolution No. 561/2026, establishing comprehensive regulations for electronic foreign exchange (eFX) payment services operating across international borders. This regulatory framework introduces a specific tracking mechanism for online gambling-related financial flows and implements substantial limitations on payment processing methods.
Commencing October 1, 2026, every international financial transaction associated with online wagering activities must be tagged with the identifier “34045.” This classification system aims to enhance transparency and monitoring capabilities for capital movements within Brazil’s rapidly expanding digital gambling sector.
This designation targets cross-border payments specifically linked to betting operations. The measure amends Annex V of the previously established Resolution No. 277/2022.
Transaction Limits and Cryptocurrency Prohibition Reshape eFX Landscape
The regulatory decree establishes a ceiling of $10,000 USD for eFX transactions conducted independently of e-commerce platform infrastructure. This identical threshold extends to payments associated with financial market activities.
Among the regulation’s most significant provisions is the outright prohibition of virtual currencies within eFX transaction frameworks. Service providers are explicitly forbidden from utilizing cryptocurrency when conducting settlements with overseas business partners.
Alternatively, financial exchanges between eFX operators and international counterparts must occur through conventional foreign currency mechanisms or via Brazilian real deposits maintained in non-resident banking accounts. All transferred capital must originate from authenticated user profiles.
The permitted payment mechanisms face strict limitations as well. Fund transfers may only proceed through boleto payment slips or restricted payment instruments with a BRL 1,000 maximum. Recharging these limited instruments is expressly forbidden.
The regulatory body has additionally banned the practice of netting incoming against outgoing payment flows. Every transaction requires independent processing and settlement.
These provisions introduce multiple compliance obligations for enterprises engaged in international payment facilitation. Companies processing betting-related financial movements will encounter the most intensive regulatory oversight.
Compliance Deadlines and Documentation Standards Create Strict Operational Framework
eFX service providers face a mandatory registration deadline of October 30, 2026, for this payment category. Organizations lacking current operating authorization must secure appropriate licensing before May 2027 concludes.
Any institution unable to satisfy these timeline requirements must immediately discontinue all eFX service offerings. The resolution specifies no extension provisions beyond the stated deadlines.
Regarding documentation obligations, financial institutions conducting foreign currency operations or administering client portfolios must deliver monthly transaction summaries. These submissions must reach the Central Bank before the 10th day of each subsequent month.
The resolution mandates that institutions preserve complete transaction documentation for no less than a decade. This requirement supports potential future compliance reviews and regulatory enforcement initiatives.
The regulation establishes precise role definitions throughout the payment ecosystem, including “user sender,” “user recipient,” and “foreign counterparty.” These classifications serve to establish clear accountability across transaction lifecycles.
All operators and their payment infrastructure partners must enhance their reporting capabilities to align with Brazil’s foreign exchange monitoring architecture. These modifications impact numerous entities spanning traditional banks to emerging fintech companies.
The resolution arrives as Brazil advances its comprehensive regulatory structure for digital gambling activities. The nation authorized regulated sports wagering in 2024 and has progressively strengthened payment protocols and licensing standards.
Brazil’s online gambling market has experienced substantial expansion, prompting regulators to address vulnerabilities in financial supervision mechanisms. The updated eFX regulations became enforceable upon Resolution No. 561/2026’s publication on May 5, 2026.
