1-4-2025 – Brazil’s National Monetary Council (CMN) has slammed the door shut on private pension funds dabbling in the wild world of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. The sweeping prohibition, cemented into law last Thursday via Resolution No. 5,202, casts a wide net—banning not just direct purchases of digital currencies but also any indirect flirtations, such as shares in firms with crypto stashed in their coffers.
The council, a powerhouse trio featuring Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, Central Bank chief Gabriel Galípolo, and Planning Minister Simone Tebet, framed the decision as a shield for long-term investors. They argue that virtual assets are a risky bet, plagued by a lack of maturity, stomach-churning volatility, and a regulatory framework that’s still finding its feet. Livecoins reports that the CMN’s stance is clear: pension funds must steer clear of this untamed market to safeguard those banking on a stable retirement.
This isn’t just about crypto, though. The resolution tightens the screws on other high-stakes ventures, like Private Equity Investment Funds, while loosening the reins on safer bets such as bricks-and-mortar investments. It’s a recalibration of risk, designed to keep pension pots simmering rather than boiling over. Interestingly, Brazilian pension funds hadn’t yet plunged deeply into the crypto pool—but this ruling ensures they won’t even dip a toe.
Across the globe, the picture differs. In nations like the U.S., U.K., and Australia, pension schemes are cautiously testing the crypto waters. Take Fidelity in the States, for example, which has opened the door to Bitcoin allocations in its 401(k) plans. Brazil, however, is drawing a firm line in the sand.
For the average Brazilian, though, the crypto party rolls on. Individuals can still punt on digital assets through personal accounts and exchanges, unfettered by the new rules. And punt they do—Brazil boasts a staggering 26 million crypto owners, a hefty 16% of its population. That’s enough to propel the country to sixth place in the global crypto adoption stakes, cementing its reputation as a heavyweight in the digital currency arena.
