Global startups no longer operate under traditional business models. Today, they tokenize assets, raise capital through SAFTs, operate DAOs, process cross-border payments in stablecoins, and build blockchain-based infrastructure. All of this while navigating regulatory frameworks that evolve constantly in Brazil, Europe (MiCA), and the United States (CLARITY Act).
In this environment, scaling without a solid legal strategy is no longer an option.
Virtual asset regulation in Brazil
In Brazil, the provision of services and the offering of products involving virtual assets were formally regulated by Law No. 14,478/2022. However, this framework became fully effective with the issuance of Central Bank Resolutions No. 519, 520, and 521, published in November 2025.
These regulations established specific rules for companies intending to operate with virtual asset services, following a broad public consultation process (Public Consultations No. 97/2023 and No. 109, 110, and 111/2024).
The resolutions enter into force on February 2, 2026, and companies already operating in Brazil will have up to 270 days to comply with the new requirements.
Authorization procedures and BCB Normative Instruction No. 701
On January 22, 2026, the Central Bank of Brazil issued Normative Instruction No. 701, which details the technical and legal procedures required for authorization as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP).
This regulation reinforces key pillars prioritized by Brazilian authorities, particularly:
- Operational transparency
- User protection
- Safeguarding the National Financial System
Key requirements include:
- Proof of reserves
- Asset segregation
- Adequate governance and management structures
- Clear definition of the products and services offered
This represents a significant step forward in the regulatory maturity of Brazil’s virtual asset market.
The future of business is global and decentralized
Lawi already operates across multiple jurisdictions, including Brazil, Argentina, the United States, and Europe (Spain), with strong expertise in:
- International soft landing strategies
- Legal structuring for startups and tech companies
- Global intellectual property protection
The Web3 ecosystem fits naturally into this global context, encompassing a wide range of business models and services, such as:
- Real-world asset tokenization (RWA)
- Decentralized finance infrastructure (DeFi)
- New governance models (DAOs)
- Creator economy solutions (NFTs and on-chain royalties)
- Instant global payments
All of this requires legal counsel that truly understands technology, regulation, and innovation-driven business models.
In practice, this means structuring SAFTs in the United States, aligning crypto exchanges with Brazilian Central Bank regulations, registering DeFi protocol trademarks across multiple jurisdictions, and advising on receivables tokenization projects in Brazil.
Lawi Draper House: where ideas become real projects
Our headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, Lawi Draper House, has become a hub for creators, investors, regulators, and builders. Through strategic events and curated gatherings, we support the transformation of ideas into real, legally structured projects.
Our goal is to be the meeting point for those building the decentralized future.
Connect with Lawi
If you are a Web3 founder, work in fintech, or want to better understand how regulation and technology intersect, let’s talk.
Lawi is building the future of legal services for global entrepreneurs.
And the future is decentralized.
