Mercado Bitcoin is Brazil's largest and oldest cryptocurrency exchange, founded in 2013 in São Paulo and serving over 3.5 million registered users. Registered with Brazil's CVM (Securities and Exchange Commission) and operating under Banco Central do Brasil oversight, Mercado Bitcoin offers BRL fiat support via PIX — Brazil's instant payment system — 200+ cryptocurrencies, staking, and crypto savings products, cementing its position as Brazil's most trusted domestic crypto platform.
About Mercado Bitcoin
Founded in 2013 in São Paulo by Gustavo Chamati and Rodrigo Rodrigues, Mercado Bitcoin was Brazil's first Bitcoin exchange and has maintained market leadership for over a decade. The exchange has navigated Brazil's evolving crypto regulatory framework — including the 2023 Crypto Act that formalised crypto regulation under CVM and Banco Central do Brasil — maintaining compliance throughout. Mercado Bitcoin is part of the 2TM Group, which includes other Latin American crypto businesses, and received a $200M investment from SoftBank in 2021.
Key Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2013 |
| HQ | São Paulo, Brazil |
| Regulation | CVM + Banco Central registered |
| Users | 3.5 million+ |
| Listed Coins | 200+ |
| Fiat | BRL (PIX, bank transfer) |
| Investor | SoftBank ($200M, 2021) |
Key Features
PIX BRL Integration
Mercado Bitcoin supports instant BRL deposits and withdrawals via PIX — Brazil's central bank instant payment system launched in 2020. PIX's 24/7 availability and zero-fee transfers make it the most convenient BRL on-ramp for Brazilian crypto investors.
CVM & Banco Central Compliance
Following Brazil's 2023 Crypto Act, Mercado Bitcoin operates under both CVM (for crypto asset securities aspects) and Banco Central do Brasil oversight — the most comprehensive regulatory standing available to any Brazilian crypto exchange, providing users with strong consumer protections.
Staking & Savings
Mercado Bitcoin offers crypto staking and savings products, allowing Brazilian investors to earn yield on held crypto assets — extending the platform's utility beyond pure trading.
Fee Structure
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Maker fee | 0.30% |
| Taker fee | 0.70% |
| BRL deposit via PIX | Free |
| BRL withdrawal | Free (PIX) |
| Crypto withdrawal | Network fee |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Brazil's oldest exchange (2013)
- CVM + Banco Central regulated
- PIX instant BRL deposits
- 3.5M+ users
- 200+ coins
- SoftBank institutional backing
Cons
- Taker fee 0.70% — relatively high
- Brazil-focused — limited international use
- BRL currency risk for non-Brazilian investors
Summary
Mercado Bitcoin is Brazil's definitive crypto exchange — the country's oldest, largest, and most comprehensively regulated domestic platform. Its PIX integration, CVM/Banco Central compliance, and SoftBank institutional backing make it the natural first choice for Brazilian retail and institutional crypto investors. While its 0.70% taker fee is relatively high, the platform's breadth of regulatory compliance and market position make it Brazil's most trusted crypto destination.