Key Highlights
Contents
- The Central Bank of Brazil published Resolution No. 561/2026, establishing code “34045” for all cross-border online gambling payments effective October 1, 2026
- Transactions through eFX services lacking e-commerce platform connections now face a maximum limit of $10,000 USD
- Cryptocurrency and other virtual assets are prohibited for use in eFX operator settlements with international partners
- All financial entities must maintain transaction documentation for a minimum decade and provide monthly reporting to authorities
- eFX providers face an October 30, 2026 registration deadline, while unauthorized institutions must secure permits by May 2027 or cease operations
Brazil’s monetary authority has unveiled Resolution No. 561/2026, establishing comprehensive guidelines for international payment services operating under the eFX framework. This regulatory update introduces a specialized identification system for gambling-related transfers and imposes significant operational constraints on payment processing methods.
Beginning October 1, 2026, every international financial transfer associated with online wagering platforms must include the designated identifier “34045.” This requirement aims to enhance monitoring capabilities for capital movements related to the nation’s expanding digital gambling sector.
The identifier specifically targets cross-border payment activities linked to betting operations. This modification updates Annex V within the previously established Resolution No. 277/2022.
Transaction Limits and Virtual Currency Restrictions Reshape eFX Operations
The regulatory framework establishes a $10,000 USD ceiling for eFX payment transactions conducted outside e-commerce platform integrations. This identical threshold extends to transfers connected with financial market activities.
Among the regulation’s most significant provisions is the explicit prohibition against virtual assets in eFX transaction processing. Service providers are barred from utilizing cryptocurrency when conducting settlements with overseas business partners.
Alternatively, financial exchanges between eFX providers and their international counterparts must occur through traditional foreign exchange operations or via Brazilian real accounts designated for non-resident holders. Every transferred amount must originate from authenticated user accounts.
Acceptable payment methods face restrictions as well. Money transfers may proceed via boleto or through restricted payment instruments with a BRL 1,000 ceiling. Reloading these payment tools remains forbidden.
The monetary authority has additionally banned the practice of netting incoming and outgoing payments against one another. Every individual transaction requires separate processing.
These provisions introduce multiple compliance obligations for enterprises engaged in international payment services. Companies managing betting-related financial flows will encounter heightened regulatory oversight.
Compliance Deadlines and Documentation Standards Create Strict Implementation Schedule
Providers offering eFX services must complete registration for this payment category no later than October 30, 2026. Organizations currently lacking operational authorization must acquire appropriate licensing before May 2027 concludes.
Any entity unable to satisfy these timeline requirements faces mandatory suspension of all eFX service offerings. The regulation specifies no extension provisions beyond these established cutoff dates.
Regarding documentation obligations, financial institutions handling foreign currency transactions or administering client accounts must deliver monthly activity reports. These submissions require delivery to the Central Bank prior to the 10th day of each subsequent month.
The resolution mandates institutions preserve comprehensive transaction records for no less than ten years. This archiving requirement supports potential future compliance reviews and regulatory enforcement initiatives.
The regulatory text establishes precise classifications within the payment ecosystem, distinguishing between “user sender,” “user recipient,” and “foreign counterparty.” These designations aim to establish clear accountability throughout transaction workflows.
All operators alongside their payment associates must enhance their reporting infrastructure to align with Brazil’s foreign exchange monitoring system. The modifications impact numerous organizations spanning traditional banks to technology-driven financial service companies.
This resolution arrives as Brazil continues developing its comprehensive regulatory architecture for digital gambling activities. The nation authorized regulated sports wagering in 2024 and has progressively strengthened requirements governing payment processing and operator licensing.
Brazil’s online gambling market has experienced substantial expansion, prompting regulators to address vulnerabilities in financial supervision mechanisms. The updated eFX requirements became enforceable upon Resolution No. 561/2026’s publication on May 5, 2026.
