The Central Bank of Brazil has broadened the use of foreign currency deposit accounts held in Brazil, allowing additional categories of legal entities to open and operate these accounts for transactions linked to foreign trade, external borrowing and foreign investment. The change extends an arrangement previously available only to certain economic agents and is intended to let companies with recurring cross-border activity manage cash flows with fewer operational currency conversions and greater predictability. New eligible account holders include legal entities that export goods, resident private law companies with debt contracted abroad, Brazil-based companies with direct nonresident equity participation, and nonresident legal entities that are creditors of external credit or hold direct stakes in Brazilian companies. The measure keeps existing restrictions on the use of foreign currency for payments within Brazil and does not affect exchange rate formation. Anti-money laundering and counterterrorist financing requirements remain in place, and the new accounts will be subject to conditions including a ban on cash withdrawals and cash deposits and a requirement to demonstrate the origin of funds. The rule takes effect on Oct. 1, 2026, giving authorized institutions time to adapt their systems and processes.
Central Bank of Brazil2026-07-01
Central Bank of Brazil expands eligibility for domestic foreign currency deposit accounts to exporters and foreign investment related entities
The Central Bank of Brazil has expanded access to foreign currency deposit accounts in Brazil for additional legal entities involved in exports, external borrowing and foreign investment. The rule adds new categories of resident and nonresident corporate users while keeping existing limits on domestic foreign currency payments and preserving anti-money laundering safeguards. It takes effect on Oct. 1, 2026.