The CMN (Brazil’s National Monetary Council) has approved a new resolution that significantly alters how FIDCs (Credit Rights Investment Funds) acquire judicial and arbitral claims. Approved on September 24, 2024, and effective as of October 13 of the same year, the rule aims to mitigate investor exposure to risks tied to ongoing legal disputes.
What changes in the acquisition of credit rights
The main directive of the new regulation prohibits direct or indirect investments in these assets unless the claims exhibit definitive liquidity, certainty, and enforceability. The central objective of the CMN is to separate legal risk—meaning the uncertainty of winning the lawsuit—from credit risk, which involves the debtor’s ability to pay.
In practice, the requirements vary depending on the nature of the dispute:
- Judicial claims: The claim must now reach a final, unappealable judgment (known in Brazil as trânsito em julgado), alongside the definitive determination of the amount and enforceability of the debt.
- Arbitral claims: Funds must wait for the expiration of the deadline to challenge the arbitral award or for the conclusion of any annulment lawsuit.
Prior to the resolution, FIDCs could invest in rights whose value or collection still depended on the outcome of disputes. Now, funds must wait for the definitive consolidation of the claim before making new investments.
Context of investigations and legal certainty
The regulatory shift occurs against a backdrop of investigations into credit operations and fund structures. One episode preceding the measure involved Banco Master, in which the CNJ (Brazil’s National Council of Justice) ordered the cancellation of 16 court-ordered debt payments (precatórios) valued at R$ 4.7 billion. These titles had been issued before final, unappealable judgments had occurred in the lawsuits.
Another relevant case is Operation Crédito Oculto, an offshoot of Operation Carbono Oculto. Authorities identified a transaction of approximately R$ 370 million in credit rights involving an ethanol mill. According to the Receita Federal (Brazil’s Federal Revenue Service), part of the resources used to acquire FIDC quotas originated from funds controlled by the same group under investigation. The structure allegedly hindered the identification of the beneficial owners, raising evidence of money laundering and asset concealment.
Impacts on existing portfolios and new requirements
For funds that already hold claims in their portfolios that do not meet the new criteria, the regulation does not mandate an immediate sale of the assets, but it imposes strict monitoring and transparency rules. Starting January 4, 2025, these funds must:
- Adopt valuation methodologies subject to independent verification;
- Revalue assets whenever material events occur;
- Conduct independent audits;
- Disclose updated portfolio information to quota holders.
While the measure brings greater clarity regarding investor risks, it may increase fund management and monitoring costs. It is important to emphasize that even after a final judicial resolution, collection is not guaranteed, as the credit risk linked to the debtor’s solvency persists.
Structural alternatives in the financial market
Faced with these restrictions and a tight adaptation timeline, market players are already evaluating new paths. The CEO of the Bloxs platform, Felipe Souto, points out that while the measure is justified by market credibility issues, prohibiting new acquisitions by FIDCs was an excessive response. In his view, stricter controls, such as valuation reports and independent audits, might have been sufficient.
Securitization stands out as an alternative for structuring these operations. The issuance of securitized debentures, for example, can enable fundraising based on credit rights that are no longer eligible for FIDCs, provided applicable regulations are observed. The change, therefore, does not eliminate investments in judicial claims, but rather shifts the instruments used, risk allocation, and transaction cost dynamics.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance on specific matters, consult a qualified lawyer.