Brazil: Central Bank creates betting transaction code

Brazil’s Central Bank has introduced a new regulatory framework for international payment and transfer services (eFX), including the creation of a dedicated classification code for betting and gaming-related transactions.

Published in the Official Federal Gazette through Resolution BCB No. 561/2026, the measure updates the country’s foreign exchange and cross-border payment rules and takes effect on 1 October 2026.

Under the new framework, all international eFX transactions connected to “games and betting” must be identified under code 34045 within Brazil’s foreign exchange reporting system. 

The Central Bank stated the measure aims to improve transparency and traceability involving financial flows linked to betting platforms.

The regulation also establishes stricter operational requirements for institutions providing international payment services. Banks, payment institutions, brokers and electronic money issuers operating eFX services will now face enhanced monitoring obligations and reporting requirements through its own platform.

Among the key changes, the Central Bank explicitly prohibited the use of virtual assets or cryptocurrencies in payments and transfers between Brazilian eFX providers and foreign counterparties. 

Transactions must instead occur exclusively through foreign exchange operations or non-resident accounts maintained in Brazil.

The updated rules additionally impose limits on certain digital payment operations. Purchases of goods and services conducted through eFX digital payment solutions without integration into an e-commerce platform will be capped at $10,000, or the equivalent in other currencies. The same limit applies to transfers connected to investments in financial and capital markets.

Payment providers must also maintain transaction records for ten years and strengthen Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering procedures involving foreign counterparties.