The Central Bank of Brazil announced new regulations to curb money laundering, fraud and tax evasion, requiring banks, fintechs, and payment institutions to close irregular accounts from December 1, 2025.
The move targets “contas-bolsão,” or pooled accounts, which authorities say have been used by criminal groups to disguise the origin of funds, O Globo reported.
The new framework seeks to block loopholes exploited for illicit activity, including Pix-related fraud and schemes involving fintechs.
According to the Central Bank, the objective is to protect the integrity of the financial system and improve the traceability of financial operations.
“It's a rule to combat illicit, perhaps even criminal, behaviours perpetrated within the National Financial System,” said Ailton Aquino, the Central Bank’s Director of Supervision. He added that authorised entities cannot offer protected accounts for concealed transactions.
Aquino noted, however, that not all pooled accounts are illegal. “We also can't demonise the concept of ‘pool accounts,’ because there are legitimate uses in areas like eFx, payment institutions, or marketplaces,” he said.
Related Articles
Volkswagen gets $429mn boost for hybrid push in Brazil
Brazil’s national development bank BNDES has approved a R$2.3bn ($429mn) loan to Volkswagen to support the carmaker’s shift towards electric mobility and expand exports ... more
Santander Brasil profit beats forecasts as bank trims costs amid credit strain
Santander Brasil reported a third-quarter profit of BRL4bn ($746mn), up 9.4% from a year earlier and above Bloomberg’s forecast of BRL3.75bn. Shares rose more ... more
Brazil’s Itaú plans B2B wealth push to partner with independent advisers
Brazil’s Itaú Unibanco is finalising a new business-to-business strategy that will allow independent investment advisers, consultants and multifamily offices to ... more