Brazil’s B3 to Launch Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana Futures

The Brazilian stock exchange B3 is ramping up its crypto offerings, preparing to launch Bitcoin options and Ethereum and Solana futures contracts in 2025, according to Coindesk.

This move follows the successful introduction of Bitcoin futures contracts last April, which have since seen an average monthly trading volume of $860 million. By comparison, traditional crypto exchanges in Brazil recorded $1.14 billion in trading volume last month.

Brazil’s Central Bank Calls for Stronger Crypto Regulation

While B3 expands its crypto offerings, Brazil’s central bank is taking a more cautious stance.

Gabriel Galipolo, president of Brazil’s central bank, has voiced concerns about the rapid growth of crypto transactions, particularly the dominance of stablecoins, which now account for 90% of the country’s crypto activity.

At a Bank for International Settlements event in Mexico City, Galipolo addressed regulatory concerns, stating:

“Most of that is to buy things and to shop things from abroad,” adding that this usage “maintains some kind of opaque vision for taxation or for money laundering.”

To counter these challenges, Galipolo highlighted Brazil’s Drex initiative—a blockchain-based financial system aimed at:

• Improving credit access through collateralized assets
• Lowering borrowing costs for businesses and individuals
• Facilitating interbank settlements using distributed ledger technology

Brazil’s real-time payment system, Pix, may also be integrated with international instant payment networks to streamline cross-border transactions.

Brazil’s Progressive Crypto Market

Brazil has been at the forefront of crypto adoption, making notable regulatory advancements.

• In August 2023, Brazil became the first country to approve a Solana spot ETF.
• The approved Solana ETF references the CME CF Solana Dollar, a pricing benchmark developed by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and Crypto Facilities (CF).

What’s Next for Brazil’s Crypto Sector?

As B3 continues expanding its crypto derivatives market, regulatory clarity will be crucial for the industry’s long-term growth.

While the exchange is positioning itself as a leader in crypto investment, the central bank’s push for stronger oversight signals that Brazil is seeking a balance between innovation and regulatory compliance.

With Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana futures on the horizon, Brazil is shaping up to be a key player in the global crypto derivatives market.