The investment funds market in Brazil is very active and has become more sophisticated in the last decade – especially with the enactment of CVM Resolution 175 of 23 December 2022, which changed the regulatory framework applicable to investment funds in Brazil, as well as CVM Resolution 214 of 30 September 2024, which amended CVM Resolution 175 and created a specific regulation for agriculture investment funds.
The rise in the interest rate in the last couple of years, following a rise in inflation, has caused retail investors to avoid risks with variable-income investments, leading to further investment in fixed-income assets.
According to publicly available data published by the Brazilian Financial and Capital Markets Association (ANBIMA), a private and voluntary self-regulatory association, the consolidated net equity of investment funds amounted to BRL9.3 trillion as of 8 November 2024.
According to the latest ranking from the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), Brazil is the fourth major capital market in the world in terms of the investment fund industry.
Notwithstanding the negative result in net funding in 2024 for the total funds industry, the alternative funds had positive results with investment in FIDCs totalling BRL33.8 billion and in FIPs totalling BRL27.5 billion until November 2024.
With the government’s intention to increase the interest rates for 2025, the perspective for 2025 is positive for fixed-income investments.
The changes promoted by CVM Resolution 175 and recent tax reforms, which also brought beneficial changes for foreign investors, are expected to positively impact the investment fund industry in 2024.
CVM Resolution 175 represented an important milestone for the evolution of the fund industry in Brazil, intending to reduce bureaucracy and costs and increase security for investors, bringing the industry closer to practices adopted in other jurisdictions, including, eg, the limitation of the liability of investors (up to the limit of the value of their quotas), the creation of different classes of quotas with segregation of portfolios, and the application of insolvency rules provided for legal entities in general (ie, investment funds are directly responsible for their legal and contractual obligations).
Investment funds in Brazil are regulated by CVM under federal laws No 6,385 of 7 December 1976 (Securities Law) and the Brazilian Civil Code. CVM is a governmental agency of the Ministry of Economy and is responsible, inter alia, for monitoring the investment fund industry and issuing regulations.
Resolution CVM 175 is composed of a general part applicable to all categories of investment funds in Brazil and annexes with specific rules applicable to the different categories of investment funds, such as financial investment funds (FIFs – ie, fixed income fund, equity fund, multimarket fund and foreign exchange fund), asset-backed securities funds (FIDCs), private equity funds (FIPs), real estate funds (FIIs), agriculture investment funds (FIAGROs), among others.
Brazilian investment funds are organised as a special condominium, in which financial assets are collectively owned by interest holders, known as “quotas”, under a co-ownership framework. The funds can be organised as open-ended condominiums (ie, allowing redemption of quotas during the fund’s duration) or closed-ended condominiums (prohibiting redemption of quotas until the end of the fund’s term or in the event of early liquidation). Alternative funds are generally set up as closed-ended condominiums.
Pursuant to CVM Resolution 175, all funds are entitled to create different classes of quotas with different economic and political rights, as well as segregation of assets. Subclasses of quotas are also permitted and can be differentiated with respect to:
Other economic rights and political rights pertaining to subclasses of restricted classes (ie, those exclusively targeted at qualified and professional investors) may be included in the fund’s by-laws.
Private Equity Funds (FIPs)
Currently regulated by CVM Resolution 175, FIPs are organised in the form of closed-ended condominiums restricted to qualified investors. FIPs are allowed to invest in shares, debentures, warrants and convertible debt securities issued by listed and unlisted companies. FIPs shall participate in the decision-making process of invested companies and effectively influence the definition of their strategic policies and management (Influence Test). FIPs are classified into the following categories.
FIPs may have classes of quotas with different economic and/or political rights, subject to the applicable regulation. Under CVM Resolution 175, assets can be segregated into different classes of quotas.
Asset-Backed Securities Funds (FIDCs)
FIDCs may be organised as open-ended or closed-ended condominiums. Annex II of CVM Resolution 175 consolidated the rules applicable to FIDCs and FIDC-NP (non-standard asset-backed securities funds) into a single regulation. CVM Resolution 175 allows non-qualified investors (retail) to subscribe/acquire senior quotas of the standard FIDCs, provided that certain requirements are complied with. The subscription of quotas of a FIDC that allows investment in non-standard receivables is restricted to professional investors.
FIDCs may invest in receivables such as credit rights and underlying instruments originating from transactions in the financial, commercial, industrial, real estate, mortgage, leasing and service segments. A FIDC that allows investment in non-standard receivables may also invest in receivables such as litigated claims, government bonds and overdue receivables. FIDCs may have different subclasses of quotas (senior and subordinated). Senior quotas have priority in the amortisation and redemption of quotas, while the other classes of quotas are subordinated to the senior quotas for amortisation and redemption. Per Resolution CVM 175, other economic and political rights may be attributed to FIDCs’ subclasses of quotas.
Real Estate Funds (FIIs)
FIIs are organised in the form of closed-ended condominiums and are invested in real estate developments. FIIs may target general investors (retail) or qualified investors.
Quotas of FIIs may be divided into series, with the specific purpose of establishing different dates for the payment of the quotas by the holders of each series of quotas. Quotas targeting qualified investors may be divided into different subclasses with certain limitations. Different classes with different economic and political rights and segregation of assets are also available for FIIs.
Agriculture Investment Funds (FIAGROs)
Introduced by Law No 14,430, FIAGROs are funds that invest in the Brazilian agribusiness sector, which includes rural real estate and other assets related to the agro-industrial productive chain, such as equity interests, financial assets, credit rights, credit instruments, securitisation instruments, quotas of funds, and other securities.
The expansion of agribusiness participation in the capital market was a key focus of the Regulatory Agenda, which also aimed to promote a more sustainable market. In September 2024, the promulgation of CVM Deliberation 214 added Annex Normative VI to CVM Deliberation 175, introducing specific rules for investment funds involved in agro-industrial production chains.
The resolution also allows the acquisition of carbon credits and decarbonisation Credits – CBIOS (a title issued and tradable by biofuel producers) as a new asset class for this fund’s portfolio. In this context, the recent Law No 15,042 of 11 December 2024 has created the regulated Brazilian carbon market to encourage the reduction of greenhouse gases and mitigate climate change.
CVM also assigned the fund’s manager the responsibility to acquire environmental assets according to reliable certifications, in line with best practices issued by credible third parties, to prevent “carbon washing”.
Regarding the limits on the composition and diversification of the asset portfolio, CVM chose to leave it to the discretion of the administrator and the manager of the FIAGRO multimarket fund to define the minimum and maximum investment limits per asset class, as well as the diversification of investment requirements by issuer or debtor, considering the fund’s net worth.
If a FIAGRO invests more than 50% of its assets in investment types that are commonly found in other fund categories – such as FIPs, FIDCs, or FIIs – then the regulations that apply to those funds will also apply to the FIAGRO, alongside its specific regulations. In this case, additional limitations must be adhered to.
All Brazilian investment funds must be registered with CVM, regardless of whether their quotas are subject to a public or private offer or are open-ended or closed-ended condominiums.
Establishing an alternative investment fund in Brazil requires the fund’s administrator and manager to create a constitutive act that approves the formation of the fund and its by-laws. A specific set of documents must be submitted to the CVM for the fund’s registration in accordance with the applicable regulations. CVM Resolution 175 establishes that the fund’s registration will be automatically granted upon filing the required documents with CVM through CVM’s electronic system.
Currently, the fund's enrollment in the Federal Revenue Office taxpayer’s register is concurrent with the fund’s registration with CVM.
The public placement of quotas requires intermediation by a company pertaining to the so-called Brazilian Securities Distribution System. Such placement must also be registered with CVM for closed-ended investment funds. Such registration shall be effected pursuant to the Securities Law and CVM Resolution 160. Public offerings in Brazil follow the definition found in other jurisdictions – ie, a public offering occurs whenever it is directed to an undetermined group of people. Public offerings are also subject to several other requirements, including:
Closed-ended investment funds targeting qualified and professional investors undergo an automatic offering registration process with CVM, pursuant to CVM Resolution 160. In such cases, there are no limitations on the maximum number of investors to be assessed. If the quotas of the investment fund, which is subject to an automatic offering registration process with CVM, are subsequently traded to a different category of investors, a lock-up period may apply. For instance, in the case of a fund/class of quotas targeted only at professional investors, no lock-up period will apply if they are traded to other professional investors. However, a 180-day lock-up period will apply if they are traded to qualified investors, and a 12-month lock-up period will apply if they are traded to retail investors).
Liability is limited to the value of the quotas held by each investor, provided that such limitation is expressly provided in the fund’s by-laws. Otherwise, quota holders will be liable for any negative equity of the fund, meaning they could be called to invest more in the fund than their original committed capital.
Due to the provisions in the fund’s by-laws, the liability of quota holders is specified in the annexes for each class of quotas. As a result, a single fund can establish various classes of quotas with either unlimited or limited liability.
CVM Resolution 175 also regulates the procedures to be observed by administrators and managers upon the verification that the net equity of a class of quotas with limited liability is negative.
Pursuant to CVM regulations, investment funds must disclose a variety of information to CVM, the market or the quotaholders.
Information disclosed to quota holders must be comprehensive, equitable and simultaneous. The following materials must be made available on electronic channels and the website of the administrator, the distributor (during distribution) and, if applicable, the managing entity of the organised market where the quotas are traded:
Any marketing materials and other information provided to investors in public offerings must be:
The information – which must be accompanied by an indication of sources and differentiated from interpretations, opinions, projections and estimates – cannot guarantee or suggest the existence of a guarantee of future results or risk exemption for the investor.
The administrator of the fund is responsible for disclosing the following:
The administrator shall also submit other documents to CVM and (where applicable) to quota holders and to the organised market where the quotas are admitted for trading, such as daily and monthly newsletters, quarterly and biannual statements regarding the portfolio composition and diversification, the annual accounting statements accompanied by the independent auditor’s opinion and a standard form with basic information about the fund, whenever there is an amendment to the by-laws.
The administrator shall also immediately disclose to the quota holders, CVM and the organised market where the quotas are admitted for trading any relevant act or fact that occurred or is related to the functioning of the fund or the assets that are part of the portfolio, which might reasonably influence the value of the quotas or the decision of the investors to acquire, sell or keep such quotas.
The following investors have been active in alternative investments:
Please see 2.1.1 Fund Structures for the legal structures typically used by alternative fund managers in Brazil.
According to Brazilian law, investment funds shall generally have a fiduciary administrator (principal fund “gatekeeper”) and an asset manager (responsible for the investment and divestment decisions, subject to the limitations set out in the fund’s by-laws), both of which are duly authorised by CVM to provide securities portfolio management services.
The fiduciary administrator shall be a legal entity, while asset managers may be either an individual or a legal entity (for FIPs, the manager shall be a legal entity in any event). In addition, entities may be registered as “full administrators”, meaning they can act as both fiduciary administrators and asset managers, provided they comply with the Chinese wall requirements.
CVM Resolution No 21 of 25 February 2021 set forth the minimum criteria applicable to fiduciary administrators and asset managers, including that they must be domiciled or have their headquarters in Brazil.
FIIs may be administered by commercial banks, multiple banks with investment portfolios or real estate loan portfolios, investment banks, brokerage companies or securities dealerships, real estate credit companies, savings banks or mortgage companies.
Investors are divided into three categories in Brazil:
According to current CVM regulation, FIPs and FIDCs are restricted to qualified investors, while FIIs can also be marketed to non-qualified investors (ie, retail investors). As mentioned in 2.1.1 Fund Structures, CVM Resolution 175 allows senior quotas of FIDCs to be targeted at non-qualified investors.
CVM Resolution No 30/2021 set forth the criteria for qualified investors (including individuals or legal entities that hold financial investments in an aggregate amount exceeding BRL1 million) and professional investors (including individuals or legal entities that hold financial investments in an aggregate amount exceeding BRL10 million and non-resident investors).
Non-professional or non-qualified investors are considered retail investors.
For more information on the regulatory regime applying to alternative funds in Brazil, please see 2.1.1 Fund Structures.
ANBIMA establishes rules for the market for enforcement and control, as well as codes of best practice for its members, which include asset managers, banks, brokers, securities dealers and investment advisers. It monitors the application of such codes and issues penalties for non-compliance.
Brazilian regulations set forth rules regarding the composition of the portfolio of alternative funds and certain limitations, as summarised below.
FIPs
A FIP must maintain at least 90% of its net assets invested in securities (90% Rule), which will not apply during the term set forth in the regulations for the FIP to consummate an investment after a capital call. Considering the 90% Rule, the regulations set forth that amounts may be added to the net assets invested in securities, such as amounts for the payment of the FIP’s expenses (limited to 5% of the committed capital), funds deriving from a divestment (subject to certain conditions), etc.
If the issuer of the securities targeted by the FIP is a privately held company, certain governance requirements must be observed by such issuer.
There is no maximum or minimum number of companies in which a FIP may invest, nor is there a maximum or minimum percentage of shares (ie, equity interest) that a FIP must hold in an invested company, provided in any case that the Influence Test is met and subject to certain concentration limits.
FIPs may invest up to:
FIPs may invest in quotas of other FIPs or equity funds. FIPs may not invest in credit rights – except those issued by fund-invested companies.
FIDCs
FIDCs may acquire credit rights and other assets of the same debtor or a co-obligation of the same debtor within the limit of 20% of its net equity. This limit may not apply if the fund targets professional investors. The limit may also be increased if certain requirements are met (eg, the debtor is a publicly-held company or has financial statements audited by an independent auditor registered with CVM). The fund may acquire credit rights originated or assigned by the administrator, manager, custodian or specialised consultant, or parties related to them in certain situations, namely:
Other rules regarding the composition of the portfolio and limitation on investment by the issuer and by type of investment can also be included in the fund’s by-laws.
FIIs
The properties, assets, and use rights to be acquired by FIIs must be subject to prior evaluation by the administrator, the manager, or an independent third party and subject to the requirements set out in the regulations. FIIs that invest predominantly in securities must respect the limits of application by the issuer and by the type of financial assets established in the general rules on investment funds. Such limits do not apply to investments by FIIs in quotas of FIPs, FIIs and certificates of real estate receivables and quotas of FIDCs.
FIIs can maintain a portion of their assets permanently invested in investment funds or fixed-income securities, public or private, to meet liquidity needs.
The main service providers of Brazilian investment funds, such as the fiduciary administrators, asset managers, custodians and bookkeepers, have to be established in Brazil and shall be duly authorised by CVM (with the exceptions applicable to FIIs) or by a recognised local authority.
Administrators and portfolio asset managers must comply with the requirements of CVM Resolution 21, as explained in 2.2.2 Legal Structures Used by Fund Managers.
Please see 2.3.2 Requirements for Non-local Service Providers.
Please see 2.1.2 Common Process for Setting Up Investment Funds.
Conduct rules outlined in CVM Resolution 160, specifically the silence period regulations, stipulate that the participants in the offering are explicitly prohibited from publicising the public offering or making statements regarding the fund during the following periods:
The marketing and distribution of quotas of investment funds in Brazil shall be made by members of the Distribution System.
Under the applicable regulation, the asset manager may act as the distributor of quotas of the funds under its investment management or administration, subject to the adoption of some procedures and policies applicable to distributors.
All marketing materials of investment funds must be clear and concise, contain specific disclaimers and information regarding the fund’s by-laws, and alert the investors of the investment risks. Conduct rules set forth in CVM Resolution 160 also apply (such as silence period rules, full and proper disclosure, etc).
In the case of open-ended investment funds targeted at retail investors, the administrator must prepare an essential information sheet, including information such as target investors, the fund’s purpose, the investment policy, risks, profitability, etc.
Please see 2.2.3 Restrictions on Investors for more information on the investors to whom alternative funds can be marketed in Brazil.
Notification is required only after the use of marketing material as permitted under CVM Resolution 160, which shall be sent to CVM within one business day after its use.
During the period between the beginning of the quiet period (as indicated in 2.3.5 Rules Concerning Pre-marketing of Alternative Funds) and the date of disclosure of the notice to the market, the offer participants must limit the disclosure and use of information regarding the public offer strictly to the purposes related to the preparation of the public offering, warning recipients about the reserved nature of the information transmitted.
After the beginning of the market offering period, the offering participants may widely publicise the public offering, provided that the conditions set forth in CVM Resolution 160 are observed, including by means of disseminating:
The permitted communications must:
Please see 2.2.3 Restrictions on Investors for more information on the restrictions relating to certain categories of investors in certain types of alternative investment funds.
The administrator and the manager of an investment fund have fiduciary duties towards the fund and its quota holders and shall be liable for any damages caused to the quota holders in case of non-compliance with the fund’s by-laws or the applicable laws and regulations.
CVM may apply penalties to service providers for any violation of the fund’s by-laws or the applicable laws and regulations, including fines, suspension of authorisation or registration for the exercise of the administration and/or management activities or temporary disqualification to carry out such activities, up to a maximum of 20 years.
CVM typically responds to day-to-day inquiries via email within a reasonable timeframe. They also welcome virtual or in-person meetings, which can be requested online through their website. For more complex questions, it is recommended to submit a formal consultation to CVM; however, this may result in a longer response time. All registration processes are completed electronically through the CVM website.
Each alternative fund is allowed to invest in certain types of assets, as provided by its specific regulation. For types of investments and the applicable regulation for each alternative fund, please see 2.1.1 Fund Structures and 2.3.1 Regulatory Regime.
Pursuant to Brazilian regulations, investment funds must engage a custodian duly authorised by CVM, which will be responsible for managing the bookkeeping of the investment fund’s assets. For FIIs, the custody service is not required for financial assets that represent up to 5% of the fund’s net equity, provided that such assets are admitted for trading on a stock exchange or organised over-the-counter market or are registered in a registration or financial settlement system authorised by the Central Bank of Brazil or CVM.
The main regulations regarding risk, borrowing restrictions and the valuation and pricing of the assets held by investment funds are set up by CVM Resolution 175, as described in 3.4 Operational Requirements.
In addition to the general rules, Normative Annex IV of CVM Resolution 175 provides that FIPs that obtain direct financial support from development agencies are authorised to contract loans directly from such development agencies, limited to an amount corresponding to 30% of the FIP’s assets. In addition, the FIP’s administrator and asset manager may contract a loan on behalf of the fund only in cases authorised by CVM (in practice, a consultation should be submitted to CVM requesting authorisation for such borrowing) or cover the default of quota holders who have not paid their subscribed quotas. The last case will also be applied to classes of quotas destined for qualified or professional investors of all other categories of funds as set forth in CVM Resolution 175.
As for FIDCs, the administrator may not currently borrow or grant loans on behalf of the fund, which only allows the granting of loans and the assumption of debts because of transactions carried out in the derivative market.
FIIs are not currently allowed to borrow or grant loans. They may borrow their equities and securities, provided that such loans are processed exclusively through services authorised by the Brazilian Central Bank or CVM or are to provide guarantees for their own operations.
Also, for each type of alternative fund, CVM regulates the accounting standards for the recognition, classification and measurement of assets and liabilities, as well as those for valuation, pricing and revenue recognition, the appropriation of expenses and the disclosure of information in the financial statements for each investment fund, which are expressly provided by the following:
According to Brazilian law, insider dealing and market abuse are illegal activities subject to administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions. CVM penalties for such activities include warnings, fines, suspension, or even prohibition from trading in the capital markets.
Please see 2.4 Operational Requirements.
An investment fund in Brazil does not have a formal corporate existence and is classified solely as a flow-through entity. As such, it is not considered a legal entity for tax purposes and is not regarded as a taxpayer from a legal standpoint. Investment funds benefit from a special income tax treatment that typically allows for a deferral of taxes on any gains accrued by the fund’s portfolio.
In this context, an investment fund can invest in different assets, be remunerated by such investment, and/or sell its investments, and none of those gains will be taxable at the fund level. Such gains will only be taxed (if ever) at the level of the investors whenever some specific events are verified (eg, amortisation of quotas, the redemption of quotas or liquidation of the fund).
FIPs
Pursuant to Law No 11,312/2006, gains and earnings obtained by the investors of a FIP whose portfolio is compliant with CVM regulations are generally subject to withholding income tax (WHT) at a 15% rate.
Nonetheless, Law 11,312 establishes a specific tax treatment applicable to foreign investors who invest in an FIP by means of the mechanisms provided for by Resolution 13, jointly issued on 3 December 2024 by the National Monetary Council and the Central Bank of Brazil, provided certain requirements are met. Under this specific tax treatment – and provided all legal requirements are met – gains and earnings recognised by foreign investors that are not resident nor domiciled in low-tax jurisdictions as a result of the amortisation, redemption or sale of the FIP’s quotas are subject to WHT at a 0% rate.
Foreign investors of an FIP that are residents or domiciled in low-tax jurisdictions (as per the concept provided by Brazilian tax law) are not entitled to the special tax treatment set out above, thus being subject to WHT at a 15% upon gains and earnings deriving from the investment in the fund.
The legal requirements to avail of the specific tax treatment afforded to foreign investors have been significantly changed by Law 14,711/2023, enacted on 30 October 2023. The legal requirements originally set forth by Law 11,312 and those set forth by Law 14,711/2023 for applying the specific tax regime are as follows.
Finally, Law 14,754/2023 modified the tax regime applicable to funds in general and introduced the come-quotas taxation for closed funds – in accordance with which earnings arising from the fund’s portfolio are to be subjected to WHT in May and November of each calendar year (regardless of any effective distribution to the quota holders). There are, however, certain exceptions, amongst which: FIPs that qualify as investment entities and comply with the portfolio composition requirements established by CVM are not subject to such regime.
FIP-IEs
Law No 11,478/2007 provides that any income (including capital gains) received by Brazilian individuals from FIP-IEs benefits from 0% WHT, provided that the general legal requirements for 0% benefits are met (ie, the requirements applicable to FIP-IEs – see 2.1.1 Fund Structures).
Legal entity quota holders of a FIP-IE are subject to WHT at a rate of 15% upon the income earned upon the redemption and amortisation of quotas and in the case of liquidation of the fund or the sale of the quotas. For foreign investors, the same specific tax treatment afforded to FIPs applies to FIP-IEs. The original tax treatment applicable to foreign investors in FIP-IEs was also changed by Law 14,711.
FIDCs
Gains derived by quota holders of an FIDC upon distributions by the fund are subject to WHT.
Law 14,754/2023 established the following:
On the other hand, if the FIDC follows the Diversification Rule but does not qualify as an investment entity, different rules apply. In this scenario, quota holders will face mandatory “come-quotas” taxation, and a 15% WHT will be imposed in May and November of each year on the income and gains accrued up to those dates. This tax will also apply upon the investor’s actual redemption or amortisation of the quotas, whichever comes first.
If the Diversification Rules is not met, then the general rule is that gains arising from the investment in the FIDC shall be subject to WHT at regressive rates from 22.5% to 15%, depending on whether the fund is qualified as a long-term investment (if the FIDC portfolio has a term of more than 365 days) or a short-term investment (if the FIDC portfolio has a term of less than 365 days), as follows.
As the FIDC that does not comply with the Diversification Rule is not subject to the specific tax treatment provided for by Law N. 14,754/2023, it is subject to the general rule of “come-quotas” provided by said legislation, which applies as follows:
In respect of non-resident investors, the WHT treatment upon income and gains arising from the investment in FIDCs shall vary as follows:
Legal entities that invest in FIDC should consider WHT as an anticipation to corporate income tax (IRPJ), whilst the WHT levied upon the income and the gains derived by individuals and non-resident investors of the FIDC, WHT is definitive.
In addition to WHT for the investor, for open-ended funds, there is also a tax on financial transactions (IOF/Títulos) if the redemption of the fund’s quotas occurs before the 30th day of investment on a regressive rate basis.
FIIs
As per Law No 8,668/93, the FII must distribute its results to the quota holders twice a year.
Taxation of FII’s accrued gains only occurs at the investor’s level, and the respective treatment will depend on the investor’s location. There is one exception to this rule: Law No 8,668/93 establishes that FIIs investing in any real estate enterprise that has a quota holder holding (individually or jointly with an affiliate) more than 25% of the quotas of the FII as a developer, constructor or partner will be taxed as a legal entity.
The gains upon distributions by the FII and the gains derived from the sale of the FII’s quotas are generally subject to WHT at a 20% rate. Gains upon distributions made to and gains derived from the sale of the quotas by beneficiaries not located in low-tax jurisdictions that invest in Brazil via the mechanics of Resolution N. 13/2024 are subject to WHT at a 15% rate.
However, if the FII’s quotas are publicly traded and the quotas are sold within the stock exchange, gains earned by foreign investors not located in low-tax jurisdictions would be subject to WHT at a rate of 0%. Applying the 0% WHT to a sale performed within an over-the-counter market is controversial.
In respect of Brazilian individuals, investor’s gains are exempt when the quota holder holds less than 10% of the fund’s quotas or is entitled to receive less than 10% of the fund’s total income, provided that the FII has at least 100 quota holders and its quotas are traded exclusively on the stock exchange or organised over-the-counter market. Furthermore, Law 14,754 has amended the provisions of Law N. 11,033/2004 to establish that this tax exemption does not apply to a group of individuals that qualify as related parties if they jointly own 30% or more of the FII’s quotas or if they are entitled to receive earnings that represent more than 30% of the total gains of the FII.
Brazilian retail funds are also organised as condominiums (pool of assets) and can be organised as closed-ended or open-ended funds, as mentioned in 2.1.1 Fund Structures.
Retail funds are regulated mainly by CVM Resolution 175 Normative Annex I of CVM Resolution 175 (called FIFs) and are classified as follows.
In addition, Normative Annex V of CVM Resolution 175 regulates exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which are retail funds formed as open-ended funds. ETFs’ quotas are required to be admitted for trading in stock exchanges or organised markets. Brazilian-formed ETFs may be backed by variable-income and fixed indexes, and at least 95% of their net equity must be invested in:
The process for setting up the common structures used for retail funds in Brazil is similar to the process for alternative investment funds; please see 2.1.2 Common Process for Setting Up Investment Funds.
Retail funds are automatically registered with CVM when the requested set of documents is filed.
The rules regarding the limited liability of retail fund investors are the same as for alternative investment fund investors; please see 2.1.3 Limited Liability.
The disclosure requirements for retail funds are the same as provided for alternative investment funds; please see 2.1.4 Disclosure Requirements.
Please see 1.1 State of the Market and 2.2.1 Types of Investors in Alternative Funds.
Please see 3.1.1 Fund Structures for more information on the legal structures used by retail fund managers in Brazil.
There is no legal requirement regarding the type of investor to which retail funds can be marketed in Brazil.
Please see 3.1.1 Fund Structures for more information on the regulatory regime applicable to retail funds.
Limitations on the Composition of the Portfolio
A retail fund must invest its equity in financial assets that are registered in a registration system or that are the object of custody or a central deposit, in all cases with institutions duly authorised to perform such activities by the Central Bank of Brazil or by CVM. This does not apply to open-ended investment fund quotas duly registered with CVM. A retail fund may not invest in quotas of funds that hold an interest in such retail fund.
Foreign assets
FIFs are subject to the following concentration limits when investing in financial assets abroad:
Under CVM Resolution 175, the limits applicable to classes of quotas targeted at qualified investors may be exceeded if certain requirements are met.
Limits per issuer
The concentration limits per issuer for FIFs are as follows, according to the general rules:
CVM Resolution 175 also sets forth that there will be no limits per issuer when the issuer is an investment fund, and the investment policy provides for the acquisition of fungible assets from a single issue of securities.
Limits by type of financial asset
According to the general rules, the concentration limits per type of financial asset for retail funds are as follows.
There is no concentration limit per type of financial asset for investment in:
FIFs targeted at professional investors are exempted from the concentration limits. FIFs targeted at qualified investors may increase the percentage of the concentration limits.
For ETFs that seek to reflect the variations and profitability of fixed-income indexes (ie, fixed-income ETFs), financial assets that are not part of the benchmark index but are of the same nature as those with different issuances will be admitted, limited to 20% of the ETF’s net equity.
Please see 2.3.2 Requirements for Non-local Service Providers.
Please see 2.3.2 Requirements for Non-local Service Providers.
Please see 3.1.2 Common Process for Setting Up Investment Funds.
Please see 2.3.5 Rules Concerning Pre-marketing of Alternative Funds for more information.
Please see 2.3.6 Rules Concerning Marketing of Alternative Funds.
Please see 3.2.3 Restrictions on Investors.
Please see 2.3.8 Marketing Authorisation/Notification Process for more information.
Please see 2.3.9 Post-marketing Ongoing Requirements for more information.
Please see 3.2.3 Restrictions on Investors and 2.3.10 Investor Protection Rules.
Please see 2.3.11 Approach of the Regulator.
As described in 3.1.1 Fund Structures, each retail fund is allowed to invest in certain types of assets.
Like alternative funds, retail funds must also engage a custodian, which shall be an entity duly authorised by CVM.
Upon becoming quota holders, all investors must confirm, through the formalisation of an adhesion and risk acknowledgement term, that they had access to the entire content of the by-laws and the essential information sheet, if applicable, and that they are aware of the risk factors related to the fund.
The administrator and the asset manager are not allowed to borrow or grant loans on behalf of the fund, except in cases authorised by CVM or specific cases set forth in the regulations. Investment funds may use their assets to provide guarantees for their own operations, as well as lend and borrow financial assets, provided such loan operations are processed exclusively through services authorised by the Brazilian Central Bank or CVM.
The fiduciary administrator is required to have a manual regarding its valuation practices for both liquid and illiquid assets available on its website. Also, all investment funds must follow international accounting standards.
ETFs may carry out lending transactions with respect to the securities of the portfolio in the manner regulated by CVM and in accordance with the limits and conditions set forth in the ETF’s by-laws.
Resolution CVM 175 sets forth the possibility of the manager/administrator borrowing to cover for negative equity of a class of quotas.
Please see 3.4 Operational Requirements.
As investment funds do not have legal personality and are not subject to taxation on income and gains derived from their portfolio, no taxes are due at the fund level. Taxation shall occur in relation to (and at the level of) the investors only and not to the fund itself.
The definition of the tax treatment applicable to the quota holder is contingent upon the verification of the nature of the investment fund (eg, ETF, FIP, FIF), as well as of the characteristics of the investor itself (ie, Brazilian individual or legal entity; if the foreigner is either resident or domiciled in a low tax jurisdiction or not, etc).
Generally speaking, the tax treatment applicable to the earnings arising from the redemption or amortisation of quotas of Brazilian investment funds are subject to WHT at regressive rates, depending on whether the fund is qualified as a long-term investment (if the fund portfolio has a term of more than 365 days) or a short-term investment (if the fund portfolio has a term of less than 365 days), as follows:
In respect of such general tax treatment, Law No 14,754/2023 introduced the “come-quotas” taxation to be in force on 1 January 2024 to both closed-ended and open-ended funds. The general rule of “come-quotas” provided by said legislation applies as follows:
Legal entities that invest in funds should consider WHT as an anticipation to corporate income tax (IRPJ), whilst the WHT levied upon the income and the gains derived by individuals and non-resident investors of the fund, WHT is definitive.
In addition to WHT for the investor, for open-ended funds, there is also a tax on financial transactions (IOF/Títulos) if the redemption of the fund’s quotas occurs before the 30th day of investment on a regressive rate basis.
Specific considerations may apply in connection with specific types of funds, such as ETFs, as outlined below.
ETFs
Brazilian law distinguishes variable income ETFs from fixed income ETFs, as follows:
As per Law N. 14,754/2023, the following tax treatment applies to variable income ETFs that comply with the portfolio allocation, classification and reclassification requirements set out in the regulations of the CVM and have quotas that are effectively traded on a stock exchange or organised over-the-counter market in Brazil: gains arising from the investment in the ETF shall be subject to WHT at a general 15% rate.
If the ETF is deemed an investment entity in accordance with the rules of the National Monetary Council, then its investors shall not be subject to the come-quotas taxation, and the 15% WHT shall only be due upon the date of effective distribution of income, amortisation or redemption of quotas.
Conversely, if the ETF does not qualify as an investment entity, the following rules will apply: quota holders will be subject to mandatory come-quotas taxation, and a 15% withholding tax will be imposed in May and November of each year on the income and gains accrued up to those dates. This tax will also apply upon the investor’s actual redemption or amortisation of the quotas, whichever occurs first.
Variable income ETFs that do not comply with the portfolio allocation, classification and reclassification requirements provided for by the CVM are subject to the general rule of “come-quotas” provided by Law N. 14,754/2023, which applies as follows:
As expressly provided by Law N. 14,754/2023, fixed-income ETFs are not subject to the overall “come-quotas” regime such legislation provides. The gains and income arising from the investment in a fixed-income ETF are taxed at the following rates upon the effective redemption or amortisation of the quotas:
Gains on the disposal or redemption of quotas of a fixed-income ETF are calculated using the same rates as applied to distributions.
Regulatory
CVM Resolution 175 came into force on 2 October 2023 (except for some specific rules that apply later) and significantly changed the regulatory framework applicable to investment funds in Brazil.
Tax
Law 14,754/2023 substantially modified the overall tax treatment applicable to investment funds in Brazil, and the main changes provided for by such legislation are described below:
If the funds do not comply with such requirements, they will be subject to the come-quotas taxation.
Funds of funds
Funds that invest 95% of their net assets in FIPs, ETFs (Variable Income) and FIDCs (classified as investment entities), FIAs, FIIs, FIAGRO, FIP-IE, FIP-PD&I and Infrastructure Investment Funds are not subject to the come-quotas taxation.
Foreign quota holders of Brazilian investment funds are not subject to the come-quotas taxation if they are not domiciled in a low-tax jurisdiction.
Different quota classes
In cases in which the investment fund has different quota classes, with different rights and obligations, and segregated net equity of the fund for each class, each quota class will be considered a fund for tax purposes.
The transference of quotas among different subclasses within the same class of quotas is not considered a taxation event for purposes of the WHT imposition if there is no change in quota ownership and no distribution is to quota holders.
Funds reorganisations
Law 14,754/2023 introduced the tax treatment that should be observed in mergers, spin-offs and transformations of investment funds.
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machadomeyer@machadomeyer.com.br www.machadomeyer.com.brThe Future of Investment Funds: Opportunities in the Fund Industry in Brazil
Introduction
Brazil’s investment fund market is a dynamic cornerstone of the country’s financial system, attracting domestic and international investors. With assets exceeding BRL10 trillion (approx. USD1.80 trillion) as of mid-2025, Brazil has a prominent global fund industry, offering growth and diversification opportunities.
Investing through funds offers professional management, diversification, accessibility, scalability, operational and regulatory ease and, in some cases, tax efficiency. The market’s scale and array of options – including equities, fixed income, real estate, private equity, agribusiness, receivables and infrastructure – appeal to diverse investor profiles.
The investment fund sector transformed significantly with CVM Resolution 175 in 2022 (“Resolution 175”), a comprehensive regulatory reform modernising rules by enhancing flexibility, governance and transparency.
Revisiting the key innovations
The Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM) significantly updated the regulatory framework for investment funds with Resolution 175, introducing modernised structures, flexibility, enhanced investor protections, and innovative tools for the Brazilian capital markets.
Limited liability
A significant change is the possibility to limit investor liability to the amount subscribed, aligning Brazilian funds with international standards and removing the risk of additional capital calls if net equity becomes negative.
Segregation of portfolios
The regulation introduces segregated portfolios within a single fund, allowing assets and liabilities to be separated into distinct classes. This enables multiple investment classes and subclasses of quotas, each with customised rights, policies, liquidity and target investor profiles. Each class links to a segregated portfolio within the same fund, while subclasses define investor rights. This innovation accommodates diverse investment mandates and risk-return profiles, enhancing product customisation and operational efficiency.
Restricted classes
Resolution 175 introduces “restricted classes” for qualified and professional investors, offering greater regulatory flexibility such as in-kind subscriptions/redemptions, customised fees and specific redemption periods. This allows tailored products for institutional investors within the regulated fund structure.
Sustainable funds
Resolution 175 paves the way for an ESG taxonomy by recognising carbon credit instruments as eligible investments, aligning the market with international best practices. In parallel, the Brazilian Financial and Capital Markets Association (ANBIMA) plays a catalytic role, setting clear criteria for labelling sustainable funds to mitigate greenwashing and harmonise metrics. Institutional investors can now leverage a more robust framework, with enhanced credibility and comparability of thematic and impact strategies, supporting sustainable finance growth in Brazil.
Financial Investment Funds (FIFs)
Normative Annex I of Resolution 175 covers FIFs, which include equity, foreign exchange, multi-market and fixed-income funds.
Inclusion of CBIOs and crypto-assets as financial assets in FIFs
Resolution 175 formally recognises new asset classes, such as Carbon Credit Instruments (CBIOs) and crypto-assets, as eligible financial assets for fund portfolios, reflecting regulatory adaptation to global trends and demand for diversification.
CBIOs, which are carbon credits from biofuel producers traded on B3, now qualify as financial assets for investment funds. Their inclusion supports Brazil’s carbon market and enables ESG-mandated funds to align with sustainability goals.
The framework permits crypto-assets (cryptocurrencies, tokens) for certain funds, provided they are traded on entities authorised by the Central Bank of Brazil or CVM. International transactions require trading through entities supervised by a competent authority with oversight for preventing illicit practices.
Brazilian Depositary Receipts (BDRs) as local assets
Resolution 175 equates BDRs to local assets, increasing permissible investment limits and providing greater flexibility for portfolio diversification.
Flexibility for offshore investments
The new regime increases flexibility for FIFs to invest abroad by relaxing previous restrictions and allowing greater allocation to international assets, aligning Brazil with global practices and diversifying investor exposure.
Credit Rights Investment Funds (FIDCs)
Normative Annex II of Resolution 175 reformed the FIDC regulatory framework. Key innovations include advanced subordination structures, expanded securitisation to new asset classes, and dynamic liability redistribution, placing the portfolio manager at the centre of fund structuring, management and credit policy. This overhaul positions the FIDC as a leading vehicle for Brazil’s evolving credit market.
Service providers
The FIDC service provider landscape has been transformed, with key roles previously held by the custodian now transferred to the portfolio manager. This empowers managers to drive fund structuring, execute investment policy and formalise credit assignments, while custody obligations now apply mainly to non-registered credit rights.
Target investors
Resolution 175 allows the general public to access senior FIDC quotas, provided the fund’s bylaws include a schedule for amortisation and distribution, the grace period plus redemption time for open classes does not exceed 180 days, the investment policy prohibits investments in non-performing credits (with exceptions) and related party credits, and senior quotas are rated by a credit risk agency. This expands investor access and offers more flexibility for attractive opportunities.
Non-standardised credit rights (ie, high-yield credits)
Resolution 175 eliminates the non-standardised credit rights FIDC category (FIDC-NP), but FIDCs retain flexibility to acquire such credits. Professional investors may acquire quotas in funds focused on these, and if restrictions apply, qualified or non-qualified investors can also participate based on the allowed percentage. Federal court-ordered payments (precatórios) not subject to appeal are no longer considered non-standardised, allowing FIDCs investing in them to be offered to the general public, subject to concentration limits. These changes unlock new possibilities for investors in Brazil’s private credit market.
Related party transactions
To mitigate conflicts of interest, related party transactions remain prohibited for FIDCs. However, for classes aimed at qualified or professional investors, the general meeting of quotaholders can waive this restriction. Professional investors benefit from greater customisation, as the bylaws may expressly allow such transactions.
Concentration limits
Investing in credit rights owed by a single debtor or co-obligor is generally capped at 20% of the class’s net equity, promoting balanced portfolios and prudent risk management. For classes targeting qualified investors, this limit can be raised when the debtor is a public company or financial institution, or has audited financial statements filed with the CVM. Classes held exclusively by professional investors or companies within the same group are exempt from this restriction.
Fees and expenses
For FIDC classes aimed at qualified or professional investors, the bylaws may provide for fees not listed in the general rules, streamlining operations by eliminating the need for certain expenses to be routed through the administrator or manager, thereby avoiding tax inefficiencies.
Real Estate Investment Funds (FIIs)
Normative Annex III of Resolution 175 covers Real Estate Investment Funds (FIIs), originally created by Law No. 8,668/1993. FIIs offer a broad range of real estate assets, including properties, corporate quotas/shares, securities and other FII quotas. While now subject to the General Part of Resolution 175, Annex III largely maintains consistency with previous CVM Rule No. 472, with the market continuing to evolve through regulatory developments.
FIIs are increasingly structured to meet credit-like demands, adopting modular frameworks with fixed terms, scheduled amortisations and quota cancellations functionally similar to FIDCs. This includes a rise in leveraged FII structures with a credit-oriented nature, defined terms, target returns and quota subordination, expanding structuring alternatives. Such operations require robust risk controls, documented metrics, limits, portfolio rebalancing procedures, and collegial governance for credit decisions.
The CVM Board (Colegiado) has also addressed two key innovations, namely the repurchase of quotas and the payment of break-up fees to managers of FIIs replaced without cause. While the concept of “cause” is already well established in the context of private equity funds, it remains relatively new and continues to evolve within the FII space due to regulatory thresholds.
Repurchase of quotas
A significant development allows investment funds with listed quotas, including FIIs and FIAGROs, to repurchase their own quotas, a mechanism previously reserved for corporations and Funds for Investment in Shares (FIAs), provided certain requirements are met. This is attractive when quotas trade at a discount, offering liquidity and generating value by reducing market exposure and impacting supply upon cancellation. The CVM Board’s landmark decision authorises this under clear conditions:
This highlights the growing importance of this mechanism across the broader investment fund market, demonstrating regulatory commitment to efficiency and liquidity in Brazil’s capital markets.
Break-up fees
The CVM Board has taken a significant step by addressing the payment of break-up fees to portfolio managers of FIIs replaced without cause, recognising these fees as compensatory and therefore permissible for FIIs targeting qualified or professional investors, though not for retail investors.
Private Equity Investment Funds (FIPs)
The regulation of FIPs has seen significant consolidation with Resolution 175, unifying general principles while preserving the FIP structure through targeted adjustments. The transition focused on terminological harmonisation and integration with the General Part, without disrupting the established private equity model. However, the nature of private equity demanded further enhancements, leading to CVM fine-tuning through interpretative guidance on issues such as capital calls, exposure limits and transparency.
The CVM clarified several key points for FIPs in Circular Letter No. 2/2025/CVM/SIN: (i) up to 10% of a FIP’s net asset value not allocated to target assets can be freely invested respecting mandatory portion limits; (ii) deadlines for FIP-IE and FIP-PD&I activities are now 360 days to start and 24 months to meet investment requirements (Law No. 11,478); (iii) committees with shareholder meeting powers are permitted if bylaws specify independence, composition and transparency; (iv) investment in simple loan agreements is allowed under governance limits; (v) a 30% concentration limit applies for FIPs intended for qualified investors acquiring FIP quotas for professional investors; (vi) FIP charges can be expanded if this is expressly stated in the bylaws and class annex; and (vii) investment in Silent Partnership (SCP) securities is permitted if the FIP acts as a participating partner with effective influence. These interpretations enhance flexibility while maintaining governance and investor protection.
In early 2025, a public consultation proposed significant changes, most notably the controlled opening of direct access to FIPs for the general public. While indirect access and certain FIP-eligible assets were already available, this innovation allows non-qualified investors to directly subscribe to FIP quotas under robust safeguards. The proposed framework requires cumulative conditions to mitigate risks, including prohibiting capital calls and exposure to capital risk, limiting quotaholders’ liability, setting concentration limits, capping foreign assets at 33%, and mandating compliance with performance fee rules upon actual distribution of results. To foster liquidity, quotas must be traded on an organised market with a market maker. The acquisition of assets from companies under recovery is prohibited unless the investment is for the recovery of an already invested company.
Secondly, the proposed Normative Annex IV brings important innovations regarding participation in the decision-making process of invested companies. The proposal relaxes the requirement for the FIP portfolio manager to exercise effective influence over the strategic policy and management of invested companies, allowing the FIP to participate in the decision-making process without necessarily exercising effective influence, especially in smaller companies. For small businesses, participation in the decision-making process may even be waived, with the FIP bylaws detailing the form of participation and, if applicable, the scope of influence. It is important to note, however, that for FIP-IE and FIP PD&I, the requirement for participation with effective influence remains, as mandated by law.
Regarding governance, the proposal simplifies FIP requirements by eliminating three of seven previously mandatory practices, maintaining compliance for remaining practices. The classification of FIP classes is eliminated, but governance compliance remains mandatory per Normative Annex IV. Small businesses meeting specific criteria may be exempt from some practices.
The proposal significantly innovates by allowing FIPs to use leverage (via debt or structured transactions) and invest in derivatives. Bylaws must specify leverage limits as a percentage of subscribed capital, and such exposure is prohibited for FIPs intended for the general public.
Resolution 175 modernised the FIP regime. The CVM agenda now seeks to calibrate access, liquidity and economic incentives to broaden investor participation while preserving protection, transparency and governance. The final regulation is anticipated to fine-tune the FIP industry’s operation and design.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
Brazil’s ETF market is experiencing rapid growth, with assets under management surging over 20% in five years. Despite unrevised core rules, the CVM’s interpretative guidance, notably Circular Letter No. 4/2025, aligns regulatory standards with Resolution 175, providing direction for stakeholders in this maturing market.
Article 18 of Normative Annex V prohibits fund managers from acting as market makers. Circular Letter No. 4/2025 now permits affiliates to serve as market makers, provided information barriers are maintained. This applies across all asset classes, including crypto and BDR-ETF underlying managers, boosting liquidity and mirroring international best practice.
Previously, ETFs could not track indexes from related entities. Circular Letter No. 4/2025 now permits “related-party indexes” if the index team is autonomous, methodology design remains with the index provider, and the relationship is fully disclosed. This allows issuers to leverage proprietary intellectual capital without conflict-of-interest concerns. For BDR-ETFs, Circular Letter No. 4/2025 confirms market makers can be appointed by the offshore ETF issuer or related companies, broadening the talent pool and boosting investor confidence.
Fixed-income ETFs have gained traction for tactical cash allocation, offering diversification, transparency and efficiency. While the local market is maturing, recent regulatory developments have improved spreads and liquidity. For institutional investors, fixed-income ETFs reduce analysis costs for cash portions by replicating credit and sovereign indexes with clear methodologies. Passive management, scale and transparency rules reduce operational friction and facilitate portfolio rebalancing.
Agribusiness Investment Funds (FIAGROs)
In October 2024, CVM Resolution 214 established definitive regulation for Agribusiness Investment Funds (FIAGROs), included as Normative Annex VI of Resolution 175. This equips the FIAGRO to fulfil its potential under Law No. 14,130/2021.
Previously, FIAGROs operated under a temporary regime (CVM Resolution 39), applying rules from other funds (FIP, FIDC, FII) based on asset type. This restricted asset combinations, unlike the dedicated FIAGRO framework.
The FIAGRO is vital for agribusiness fundraising in Brazil. By not restricting “agroindustrial production chains”, the CVM enabled broad investment scope. Holding diverse assets such as quotas, real estate, credit rights and financial assets, the FIAGRO effectively serves the sector.
Key topics addressed by CVM Resolution 214, which introduced Normative Annex VI into Resolution 175, include the following.
“Multimarket” FIAGROs
Based on Law No. 14,130/2021, CVM Resolution 214 increased asset flexibility. FIAGROs can now combine assets previously exclusive to other fund categories (FII, FIP, FIDC) in one portfolio, unlike the temporary regime. This enables investment in diverse agro-industrial chain assets without category limits, per Article 14 of Normative Annex VI.
Applicability of other funds’ rules
Given a FIAGRO’s ability to combine diverse assets, questions arose about applying specific regulatory regimes from other fund categories to ensure consistency and prevent regulatory arbitrage.
CVM Resolution 214 states that if a FIAGRO’s investment policy allows over 50% of its equity in assets from another fund category, that category’s regulations apply subsidiarily. For example, a FIAGRO investing over 50% in credit rights is also subject to Normative Annex II (FIDC) of Resolution 175.
CVM Resolution 214 states that Normative Annex VI prevails in conflicts with other fund rules. CVM Ruling 3/2025/SSE clarifies that subsidiary applicability is limited to governance aspects of invested assets, provided no conflict with Normative Annex VI exists.
Portfolio aspects
A. Collaterals
In line with Law No. 8,668/1993, a FIAGRO can guarantee, endorse, accept or jointly undertake obligations, and create liens over real estate in its portfolio. This simplifies structures and enables further leveraging.
B. Agribusiness carbon credits and decarbonisation credits
A FIAGRO can invest in agribusiness carbon credits (titles representing greenhouse gas reduction from agro-industrial activities) and CBIOs (decarbonisation credits for biofuels under RenovaBio).
The definition and scope of these assets for FIAGROs differ from FIFs under Normative Annex I of Resolution 175, which treats them as financial assets without considering their agribusiness origin. FIAGROs allow more flexible transactions for these assets than FIFs.
Physical settlement of instruments
CVM Resolution 214, through a FIAGRO’s monthly report, acknowledges instruments with physical settlement (eg, Rural Product Bond – CPR, Agricultural Deposit Certificate and Agricultural Warrant – CDA/WA). Assets settled via goods or rights can integrate FIAGRO portfolios, relevant given agribusiness barter dynamics.
Liquidity assets and derivatives
CVM Resolution 214 permits FIAGROs to invest in fixed-income fund quotas and securities exclusively for liquidity and class obligations. Normative Annex VI also allows FIAGROs to use derivatives solely for portfolio protection, crucial given commodity market influence.
Taxation of investment funds revisited
Brazil’s investment fund market has undergone profound tax transformations driven by legislative changes aimed at aligning tax policy with revenue collection and equity goals.
Despite pressure for tax harmonisation, a patchwork of exemptions persists due to statutory requirements not aligning with regulatory mandates. This creates complex rules, constantly reshaped by Brazil’s political climate.
Year-end 2023 saw Law No. 14,754/2023 extend the biannual automatic taxation regime (come-cotas) to closed-ended investment funds. Previously for open-ended funds, this regime applies a deemed liquidation event to anticipate income tax collection, which otherwise was deferred until quota amortisation or redemption.
While aiming to harmonise funds, the Law includes many carve-outs. Several investment funds, including FII, FIAGRO, FIP-IE and FIP-PD&I, were explicitly excluded.
Another group of closed-ended vehicles avoids the come-cotas regime by qualifying as “investment entities”. These require professional management with discretionary investment decisions for capital appreciation or income. Qualification is detailed by the Brazilian Monetary Council (CMN), not the CVM, and is subject to specific portfolio requirements from the Law, possibly additional to CVM regulations.
Though tax-driven, these provisions impose operational requirements directly affecting fund regulation and governance. Tax policy now indirectly dictates regulatory standards such as minimum portfolio composition (eg, 67% stocks for FIA portfolios) and management structures, potentially limiting market innovation and strategy diversity.
Recent legislation reinforces tax segmentation. Funds such as FIAs, FIPs, ETF-RVs and FIDCs, when qualified as investment entities with portfolio requirements, are not subject to the come-cotas regime; quotaholders are taxed upon amortisation, redemption or disposal. Other closed-ended funds now face anticipated biannual taxation and supplementary withholding income tax (WHT) on amortisation and redemption, like open-ended funds.
Different tax regimes, such as varying WHT rates and come-cotas exclusions, create competitive distortions. Resident investors in FIAs, FIPs and FIDCs face a flat 15% WHT; those who invest in FIIs and FIAGROs pay 20%. Most other funds have a regressive 22.5%–15% WHT scale. Many funds are subject to come-cotas but have exempt portfolios. FIIs and FIAGROs are excluded from come-cotas and benefit from WHT exemptions for individuals if quotas trade on stock exchanges, but their fixed and variable income portfolios are taxed.
These aspects inevitably direct capital flow in Brazil based on tax incentives, not solely economic reasons. The evolving tax landscape is critical for investors, fund managers, and policymakers shaping the investment fund market’s future.
The debate on capital market taxation is a pressing one within tax reform. Supplementary Law No. 214/2025, for consumption tax reform, brought uncertainties regarding federal (CBS) and sub-national (IBS) levies on fund portfolios. The Executive Branch vetoed a clarification that funds would not be IBS/CBS taxpayers, but the National Congress overturned the veto, re-enacting the provision.
The lack of precise regulation on new taxes for financial operations and fund services creates legal uncertainty, which should be avoided to preserve Brazil’s market attractiveness for global investors.
Provisional Measure No. 1,303/2025 (June 2025) proposes significant income tax changes on financial investments. Despite standardising some rules by revoking regressive WHT rates, the system maintains exceptions, perpetuating complexity and asymmetry with different rates for specific securities. Discussion continues on revoking tax exemptions for public/private securities, which could dramatically alter net profitability and investor behaviour.
This Provisional Measure has also prompted discussions on 0.38% IOF (tax over financial transactions) applicability on newly issued FIDC quotas, regardless of investor qualification (IOF-Securities). The Brazilian Supreme Court (STF) is yet to clarify this matter.
Recent legislative changes highlight a historical trend of tax intervention in capital markets, impacting fund structure. While harmonisation is legitimate, changes need predictability, simplicity and regulatory coherence. Aligning tax and regulatory rules is crucial for market efficiency, long-term investment and Brazil’s competitiveness as a capital destination.
Final takeaways: where the future of funds is headed
Brazil’s investment fund industry is scaling up due to Resolution 175, aligning local vehicles with global best practices through limited-liability, segregated portfolios, multi-class design and clearer governance. Innovation spans across categories: FIFs can hold CBIOs and crypto-assets; BDRs are treated as “local”; FIDCs are portfolio manager‑centric with broader assets and measured retail access; FIIs can repurchase quotas; FIPs are being recalibrated for broader access, leverage and derivatives; ETFs gain liquidity via affiliated market makers and related‑party indices; and FIAGROs emerge as a multi-market conduit for agribusiness and the carbon economy. With over BRL10 trillion in assets under management, deep local liquidity and expanding international allocation flexibility, Brazil offers institutional-grade risk management, transparency and product customisation at scale.
Tax rules are evolving towards greater harmonisation and competitiveness, with meaningful carve-outs (eg, FII, FIAGRO, FIP‑IE/PD&I) and “investment entity” treatment preserving efficiency as Congress and regulators refine CBS/IBS and income‑tax parameters. Coupled with an agile CVM, the market is converging on a framework broadening access without compromising governance. For global allocators seeking growth, diversification, ESG and real-asset exposure with sophisticated, scalable structures, Brazil is becoming Latin America’s reference jurisdiction for investment funds and an attractive hub in global portfolios.
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