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Itaú Unibanco, Brazil's largest private bank, notified Brazil's central bank on October 27, 2026 of its crypto intermediation and custody services, becoming the first bank to formalize crypto operations under the new rules. Under central bank Resolution 520, banks already authorized by the regulator follow a notification process, while dedicated virtual-asset service providers must apply for authorization; the deadline for firms already operating is October 30.
KEY DETAILS
- Itaú Unibanco, Brazil's largest private bank, notified Brazil's central bank on October 27, 2026 of its crypto intermediation and custody services, becoming the first bank to formalize crypto operations under the new rules.
- Under central bank Resolution 520, banks already authorized by the regulator follow a notification process, while dedicated virtual-asset service providers must apply for authorization; the deadline for firms already operating is October 30.
- Itaú has offered crypto buying and selling since December 2023 and lists 15 crypto assets, including BTC, ETH and USDC, with custody handled by the bank itself.
- Itaú states that crypto assets are not covered by Brazil's FGC deposit guarantee fund.
WHY IT MATTERS
An early test of how big banks fit crypto into Brazil's new regime. (Analysis, not a confirmed fact.)
IMPORTANT CONTEXT
- The notification must include an independent technical certification; institutions that miss the deadline must stop providing crypto services within 30 days.
- From November 6, banks and other authorized institutions are barred from doing crypto business with unauthorized providers.
- Itaú has not disclosed customer numbers or trading volumes for its crypto service.
- This article is informational and is not financial advice. Digital assets are volatile.
SOURCE
- Primary / main source: https://valor.globo.com/financas/criptomoedas/noticia/2026/10/27/ita-formaliza-atuao-como-prestador-de-servios-de-criptoativos-junto-ao-bc.ghtml
- Supporting: https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2026/10/28/brazil-s-largest-lender-becomes-first-bank-to-formalize-crypto-brokerage-under-new-rules
- Supporting: https://wb3news.com.br/noticia/itau-intermediacao-custodia-criptoativos-banco-central
- Supporting: https://www.itau.com.br/investimentos/criptoativos
#Brazil #CryptoRegulation