Crypto-Asset Classification Triage

Crypto-Asset Classification Triage

Matter context

This skill helps classify a digital asset (cryptocurrency, token, stablecoin, etc.) under Brazilian law: Is it regulated by BCB as a virtual asset (VASP rules apply)? Is it a security under CVM jurisdiction? Does it require specific custody or AML treatment? It does not give you a legal opinion; it surfaces the questions a lawyer should answer.

Read ## Organization profile in ~/.claude/plugins/config/claude-for-legal/banking-fintech-legal/CLAUDE.md first to see if you've pre-recorded positions on which assets/cryptocurrencies you accept or plan to support.

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Purpose

Brazil's regulatory framework for crypto-assets is evolving [unverified: not found in primary source]. Three regimes intersect:

1. Lei 14.478/2022 (Marco Legal dos Criptoativos) — establishes VASP (prestadora de serviços de ativo virtual) framework [verified: https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2019-2022/2022/lei/L14478.htm]
2. BCB oversight — VASP registration, AML/PLD rules, custody standards [unverified: not found in primary source]
3. CVM oversight — if the token is a security (valor mobiliário under Lei 6.385/1976), separate rules apply [verified: https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/l6385compilada.htm]

The critical question: Is this asset a virtual asset (VASP-regulated) or a security (CVM-regulated) or both? The answer determines what your compliance, custody, and operational obligations are.

Jurisdiction assumption / Premissa de jurisdição (Brasil)

• Lei 14.478/2022 — Marco Legal dos Criptoativos; authorization for VASP operation appears in Art. 2º and the definition of "ativo virtual" appears in Art. 3º. [verified: https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2019-2022/2022/lei/L14478.htm]
• BCB regulation — BCB is the VASP supervisor (resolutions pending or recently issued) [unverified: not found in primary source]
• Lei 6.385/1976 — Lei do Mercado de Capitais; defines "valor mobiliário" (security); CVM regulates securities [verified: https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/l6385compilada.htm]
• Lei 9.613/1998 — Lei de Prevenção à Lavagem de Dinheiro (AML/PLD); applies to VASP operators after inclusion by Lei 14.478/2022 [verified: https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/LEIS/L9613compilado.htm; https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2019-2022/2022/lei/L14478.htm]

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Load the playbook

Read ~/.claude/plugins/config/claude-for-legal/banking-fintech-legal/CLAUDE.md → ## Playbook → ### Crypto-Assets (VASP). Your playbook should record:

• VASP registration status: You are / are not registered as VASP
• Acceptable cryptocurrencies: whitelist of assets you support (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
• Token classification rules: how you decide if a token is a security (checklist or decision process)
• Custody model: self-custodial, custodian, hybrid
• AML/PLD approach: KYC requirements, enhanced due diligence for high-risk jurisdictions

If blank, I'll flag what you need to decide with a lawyer before onboarding any asset.

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Analysis

1. Is this a virtual asset (VASP-regulated)?

Lei 14.478/2022 definition [verified: https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2019-2022/2022/lei/L14478.htm]: An "ativo virtual" is a representation of value that can be negotiated or transferred electronically and used for payments or investment, excluding the categories listed in Art. 3º.

Examples:

• ✓ Bitcoin, Ethereum, and major cryptocurrencies
• ✓ Layer-2 tokens (Polygon, Arbitrum) — if not securitized
• ✓ Stablecoins (USDC, USDT) — even though backed by USD
• ? Custom tokens issued by a company — depends on whether they're securities (see below)

If it's a virtual asset: VASP registration with BCB is required if you operate as a VASP (providing wallet, exchange, custody, etc.). See your playbook for your VASP status.

2. Is it also a security (CVM-regulated)?

A token can be both a virtual asset (VASP-regulated) AND a security (CVM-regulated). The triage:

A token is a security if it represents [verified: https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/l6385compilada.htm]:

• Ownership interest in a company (equity-like)
• Debt obligation (bond-like)
• Profit-sharing or yield (similar to investment contract)
• Governance rights with value
• An option, futures, or derivative

A token is NOT a security if it is [unverified: not found in primary source]:

• A pure utility token (grants access to a service, like a voucher; no profit expectation)
• A medium of exchange with no yield (pure currency-like, e.g., Bitcoin held for spending)

Ambiguous cases:

• ✗ Staking rewards tied to the token: could make it a security (profit-sharing)
• ✗ APY/yield from lending platform: could be security-like
• ✗ DAO tokens with governance + profit share: likely a security
• ✓ Community token with no yield, used only in a game: likely utility

If it's a security: CVM registration required before you offer it to Brazilian customers. Separate framework from VASP. Do NOT proceed without CVM legal review.

3. Custody and safekeeping

Lei 14.478/2022 custody scope [verified: https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2019-2022/2022/lei/L14478.htm]: If you hold customer assets in custody, treat the items below as controls to verify against current regulation/playbook, not as duties confirmed in Lei 14.478/2022:

• Segregate customer assets from your own
• Hold keys/credentials in secure storage (hardware wallet, multi-sig, custodian bank)
• Have insurance or bonding for loss/theft
• Maintain audit trail

Your custody model: Are you:

• Self-custodial: Customer holds their own keys; you only facilitate transactions (lower custody risk)
• Custodian: You hold keys on behalf of customers (high custody responsibility; insurance/bonding required)
• Hybrid: Customer can choose

Check your playbook for your custody model. If blank, decide with a lawyer before accepting customer assets.

4. AML/PLD (Lei 9.613/1998)

Any VASP operator handling customer funds must comply with AML/PLD:

• Know Your Customer (KYC): Identify customer, verify beneficial ownership, understand source of funds [verified: https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/LEIS/L9613compilado.htm]
• Customer Due Diligence (CDD): Ongoing monitoring for suspicious activity (rapid large transfers, structuring, high-risk jurisdictions) [verified: https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/LEIS/L9613compilado.htm]
• Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR): Report to COAF (Conselho de Controle de Atividades Financeiras) if suspicion of money laundering [verified: https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/LEIS/L9613compilado.htm]

Your AML/PLD program: Do you have KYC workflows? Do you flag high-risk jurisdictions? Do you have a process to file SARs? Check your playbook. If blank, this is mandatory for any VASP — non-negotiable.

5. No silent supplement

If your playbook doesn't address crypto assets yet (you haven't decided which ones to support or whether to be a VASP), I'll flag and ask: "Your playbook doesn't record a crypto asset strategy. Options: (1) you plan to offer crypto — tell me which assets and I'll triage each; (2) you don't plan to offer crypto — no triage needed; (3) decision pending." Do not onboard a token/crypto without a triage.

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Consequential-action gate

Before registering as a VASP with BCB, deciding to offer a token, or accepting any crypto-asset:

Read ## Who's using this in ~/.claude/plugins/config/claude-for-legal/banking-fintech-legal/CLAUDE.md. If the Role is Non-lawyer:

Registering as a VASP or offering a crypto-asset in Brazil has material regulatory and custody implications. VASP registration commits you to BCB supervision, KYC/AML, custody safeguards, and reporting requirements. Token classification (is it a security?) determines whether CVM registration is required. These decisions should be reviewed with an attorney. Have you discussed your crypto strategy with legal counsel?

If yes, proceed. If no, here's what to bring to them:

• Business model: are you a VASP (exchange, wallet, custody, lending)? Or a token issuer?
• Asset list: which cryptocurrencies or tokens you plan to support (with brief description of each)
• For each token: does it have yield, governance, or profit-sharing? (might be a security)
• Custody: how will you hold customer assets (self-custodial, you're custodian, third-party custodian)?
• AML/PLD: do you have KYC workflows and SAR processes in place?

(If you need a lawyer: OAB Brasil by estado; search "especialista em criptoativos" or "especialista em direito financeiro".)

Do not register with BCB or launch without legal sign-off.

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What this skill does not do

• Does not advise on US/international crypto regulation. If your users include US persons or you operate cross-border, FinCEN/SEC/other regulators apply — separate review.
• Does not draft VASP registration applications. Triage identifies requirements; a lawyer and regulatory consultant draft the BCB filing.
• Does not audit your KYC/AML program. Full AML audit is a separate engagement; this skill confirms you have the program.
• Does not value the token or advise on investment merit. Economic value or price is not legal analysis.
• Does not cover DeFi (decentralized finance). If your product is a smart contract (no central operator), regulation is unclear — escalate to a specialized lawyer.

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For BCB guidance on VASP: www.bcb.gov.br (search "ativo virtual"). For CVM on securities: www.cvm.gov.br.