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Brazilian banks are widening retail access to crypto while the country brings digital-asset providers under a formal Central Bank of Brazil regulatory regime. Nubank, Itaú and Banco do Brasil now offer direct crypto services alongside conventional investment products.
Nubank and Itaú Broaden Crypto Access
Nubank currently offers 28 crypto assets through Nubank Cripto, including Bitcoin, Ether, USDC, Solana and Chainlink. The company says more than 7 million customers have bought cryptocurrencies through the platform, which also supports transfers for selected assets.
Nubank says liquidity providers and other counterparties handle purchases, sales, and exchanges. Updated crypto terms took effect on March 5, 2026.
Itaú also allows customers to buy and sell cryptocurrencies through its mobile app. Its investment platform lists assets including Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, USDC, XRP, Arbitrum and PAXG.
Banco do Brasil Adds Direct Crypto Trading
State-controlled Banco do Brasil has also introduced direct cryptocurrency trading through its digital investment services. Bank materials describe BB Cripto as allowing customers to buy and sell Bitcoin and Ether directly through its app.
The service expands Banco do Brasil’s crypto offering by allowing customers to buy and hold supported digital assets through the bank’s platform.
Central Bank Rules Took Effect in February
Brazil’s Central Bank introduced detailed rules for virtual-asset service providers through regulations published in November 2025. Resolution BCB 520 took effect on Feb. 2, 2026, setting requirements for intermediaries, custodians, and crypto brokers.
The framework covers governance, security, customer protection and anti-money-laundering controls. It also requires providers to separate customer financial resources and crypto assets from their own holdings.
Existing providers received 270 days from Feb. 2 to apply for authorization. From Oct. 30, Central Bank-regulated institutions generally cannot maintain certain transactional relationships with crypto providers that are neither authorized nor undergoing the authorization process.
Banks Add Crypto Under Tighter Rules
The expansion does not mean banks are treating crypto like conventional deposits or low-risk investments. Nubank and Itaú both provide warnings about volatility and other risks linked to digital assets.
Brazil’s regulatory framework is still developing, with additional prudential and anti-fraud requirements scheduled to take effect in 2027 as crypto services become more closely integrated with the regulated financial system.
