Resolution authorizes groups to maintain currency accounts in the country and reduces the need for currency conversions in operations
The Central Bank of Brazil expanded this Thursday (June 18, 2026) the group of agents authorized to open and operate deposit accounts in foreign currency in the country. Previously restricted to financial institutions, diplomatic representations and some specific sectors, these accounts may also be maintained by exporting companies, companies with external debts, companies with foreign participation and certain non-residents.
In practice, companies that receive money from abroad or have obligations in other currencies will be able to keep part of these amounts in other currencies and carry out certain transactions without converting the resources into reais at each stage of the operation.
The measure seeks to increase the efficiency of financial operations, reduce transaction costs and facilitate the integration of Brazilian companies into the international market. The changes were established by BCB Resolution No. 575 and come into force on September 1, 2026. Here is the statement (PDF – 111 kB).
The adaptation period was defined so that institutions authorized to operate in the foreign exchange market can adapt their technological systems, compliance procedures and risk management mechanisms.
WHO CAN OPEN ACCOUNTS
Until then, maintaining accounts in foreign currency was only permitted for a restricted group of agents, such as financial institutions, embassies, consulates, international organizations, insurance companies and companies in certain sectors.
With the standard, the following are now authorized:
- companies exporting goods;
- companies with debts contracted abroad;
- Brazilian companies with foreign participation in their capital;
- non-residents who carry out external credit operations or direct investments in Brazil.
According to the Central Bank, the measure must:
- improve companies’ financial management;
- reduce exposure to exchange rate fluctuations;
- increase the competitiveness of Brazilian companies operating in international trade.
RESTRICTIONS
The monetary authority maintained safeguards to prevent misuse of the system.
Cash withdrawals and deposits remain prohibited, so that all transactions remain electronic and traceable.
In the case of exporting companies, the resources credited to the accounts must originate from export revenues or transfers from abroad.
Operations related to external credit and foreign investment will continue to be subject to the proof and registration requirements provided for in exchange rate regulations.
The resolution also does not change restrictions on the use of foreign currencies for current payments within the national territory, maintaining the real as legal tender for domestic transactions. All requirements to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing also remain valid.
HOW FOREIGN CURRENCY ACCOUNTS WORK IN BRAZIL
Brazilian legislation allows certain agents to maintain deposit accounts in foreign currencies at institutions authorized by the Central Bank.
They work in a similar way to traditional bank accounts, but the resources remain denominated in foreign currency. In practice, an exporting company can receive revenue in dollars and keep these amounts in the same currency to pay external suppliers, honor debts contracted abroad or make international investments, without having to immediately convert the resources into reais.
The movement of these accounts will continue to be subject to exchange rate rules and mechanisms to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing, including the identification of holders, proof of the origin of funds, the registration of certain operations with the Central Bank and the monitoring of suspicious movements by financial institutions.
The new resolution does not authorize the use of foreign currencies for everyday payments within the national territory.
