Brazil to Tighten Crypto Rules, Attacking the 'Financial Arm' of Organized Crime

Fernando Haddad, Brazil’s Minister of Finance, said it is preparing a regulatory overhaul to attack the use of cryptocurrency to finance organized crime. This overhaul includes tougher rules on crypto usage and the revamp of the CVM, the Brazilian equivalent of the SEC.

Brazil Aims To Tighten Crypto Controls To Tackle Organized Crime Financing

The Facts

The Brazilian government is organizing an overhaul of the compliance system to control the use of crypto by criminal organizations for illicit purposes.

The push is part of a new strategy of Fernando Haddad, Minister of Finance, that is targeting the financial arm of organized crime besides traditional measures including territory controls.

CNN Brazil reported that a new regulatory standard to solve this usage of crypto by criminal organizations will be published soon. Haddad stated that the CVM would strive for “more transparency about the individuals behind these assets and clearer rules for tax treatment.”

The Brazilian government is also revamping the CVM, establishing an organization to combat organized crime with taxes at the forefront.

The goal of the government is to extend this organization throughout Brazil, establishing ten police stations combating financial crimes across the country. Nonetheless, the deployment was delayed because of the repeal of Provisional Measure 1,303, which changed current cryptocurrency income tax rules.

Why It Is Relevant

The new focus on cryptocurrency as an element to finance organized crime might be troublesome for crypto holders in Brazil, given that there will be new compliance rules applied at national exchanges.

This could also translate in increased controls and even restrictions in the movement of certain assets if the new rules flag these as dangerous, prompting Brazilians to move their assets to platforms with softer controls.

Looking Forward

While controlling the use of cryptocurrency flows to finance organized crime groups is of utmost importance, local analysts state that it should be done without stifling innovation, affecting local crypto platforms or influencing the growing adoption of these technologies.

FAQ

• What is the Brazilian government’s new strategy regarding cryptocurrency?

The government plans to overhaul compliance systems to prevent the use of crypto by criminal organizations as part of Finance Minister Fernando Haddad’s initiative.

• What regulatory changes are expected for cryptocurrency in Brazil?

A new regulatory standard will be introduced to enhance transparency about crypto asset holders and clarify tax rules related to cryptocurrency.

• How will the Brazilian government combat organized crime financially?

An organization will be established to combat financial crimes, with plans to set up ten police stations nationwide targeting organized crime.

• What concerns should crypto holders in Brazil have with these changes?

New compliance rules at national exchanges may lead to increased controls, potentially prompting users to move assets to platforms with less stringent regulations.