Brazilian Tax Department will examine foreign cryptocurrency exchange operations
Brazil’s Federal Revenue Service is expected to increase scrutiny of foreign digital asset exchanges operating within its borders, with the aim of strengthening regulation and transparency in the burgeoning sector. The national tax authority seeks to collect operational data from platforms such as Binance, Coinbase and Kraken, despite the need for a well-defined regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies in the country.
Brazil strengthens supervision of foreign cryptocurrency exchanges
As the popularity of digital assets grows in Brazil, the government is taking steps to understand and oversee the operations of international cryptocurrency exchanges. With a mandate expected to be issued this week, these platforms must disclose their operational methodologies and customer service practices in the region. Brazilian tax authorities are focused on ensuring that these companies comply with local tax laws and anti-money laundering regulations.
The decision comes as the use of digital assets increases in Brazil, with Brazilians’ reported cryptocurrency holdings reaching 133.6 billion reais ($24.6 billion) from January to July 2023. This represents an increase significant increase of 36.6% compared to the previous year. Oversight is crucial as the government pushes for greater transparency while developing a concrete regulatory framework, which is expected to be proposed by the end of 2024.
Federal Revenue will audit international cryptoactive platforms
Andrea Chaves, Undersecretary of Inspection at the Federal Revenue, highlighted the need for this initiative. The government intends to verify that these exchanges comply with tax obligations and do not engage in illegal activities. Furthermore, they want to ensure that the services offered to Brazilian customers are completely legal. This comes amid concerns that some platforms may circumvent local regulations, potentially generating undeclared income and facilitating illicit financial flows.
Furthermore, Wagner Lima, risk management coordinator at the Federal Revenue, highlighted the need to review collaborations between exchange exchanges and local service providers. This scrutiny ensures compliance with a 2019 regulation that requires information sharing, which is crucial to maintaining the integrity of Brazil’s financial systems.
The upcoming ordinance will require exchanges to provide comprehensive details about their operations, but will exclude specific customer data and transactional information, in accordance with current Brazilian laws. The increase in holdings declared in foreign currency, which registered an increase of 51.2% compared to the previous year, highlights the growing importance of these platforms in the local market.