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The process of converting cryptocurrencies into fiat currency such as the Brazilian real (BRL).
An off-ramp lets users turn digital assets into payments or withdrawals in local currency. In practice, off-ramp platforms like PagFinance receive cryptocurrencies and execute payments in Brazilian reais via PIX or boleto.
Related guide →The reverse of off-ramp: converting fiat currency into cryptocurrencies.
Allows purchasing digital assets using Brazilian reais (BRL). Exchanges and on-ramp platforms facilitate this conversion, usually via PIX or bank transfer.
A cryptocurrency pegged to a fiat currency (such as the US dollar).
USDC and USDT are the most widely used stablecoins for payments. Their price stability makes them ideal for commercial transactions, eliminating the volatility typical of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
Related guide →Stablecoin issued by Circle, pegged 1:1 to the US dollar.
Available on multiple blockchains and widely accepted for crypto payments. Reserves are regularly audited by independent firms, ensuring transparency and reliability.
Related guide →Stablecoin issued by Tether, pegged to the US dollar.
The most widely used stablecoin in the world by trading volume. Present on virtually all blockchains and exchanges, serving as the entry point for many crypto market users.
Government-issued currency (real, dollar, euro).
Not backed by commodities but by trust in the issuing government. The Brazilian real (BRL), US dollar (USD) and euro (EUR) are examples of fiat currencies.
ISO 4217 code for the Brazilian real.
Official fiat currency of Brazil, issued by the Central Bank of Brazil. The main destination currency for crypto off-ramp operations in the Brazilian market.
Conversion of cryptocurrencies to fiat currency.
This is the core process of off-ramp platforms like PagFinance. The user sends crypto and receives the equivalent in reais, being able to pay bills via PIX or boleto.
Related guide →Conversion of fiat currency to cryptocurrencies.
Performed by exchanges and on-ramp platforms. The user deposits reais and receives cryptocurrencies in their wallet, being able to choose among different assets and blockchains.
Software or hardware that stores private keys and allows interaction with blockchains.
Examples include Phantom, MetaMask and Solflare. Wallets can be software-based (app or browser extension) or hardware-based (physical devices like Ledger). They are the user's main interface with the crypto ecosystem.
Related guide →Cryptographic code that controls access to your digital assets.
Whoever holds the private key holds the funds. It must never be shared with anyone. Losing your private key means permanently losing access to your assets.
Related guide →Address derived from the private key, used to receive cryptocurrencies.
It can be freely shared. It works like a bank account number: anyone can send cryptocurrencies to your public key, but only the holder of the private key can move them.
Model where the user maintains full control of their private keys.
No third party can access or move your funds without authorization. PagFinance operates non-custodially: the user keeps their keys and authorizes each transaction directly through their wallet.
Related guide →Model where a third party (such as an exchange) holds the users' private keys.
The funds are under the platform's control. If the platform is hacked or goes bankrupt, users' funds may be compromised. This is the common model used by centralized exchanges.
Synonym for self-custody. Non-custodial platforms do not store users' private keys.
The user is solely responsible for the security of their assets. PagFinance uses this model, ensuring funds remain under the user's exclusive control until the moment of the transaction.
Related guide →Brazilian instant payment system created by the Central Bank.
Works 24/7, 365 days a year. Allows transfers in seconds using keys such as CPF, email or phone number. It is the most widely used payment method in Brazil and the primary destination for crypto-to-fiat conversions on PagFinance.
Related guide →Payment slip widely used in Brazil.
Can be paid at banks, lottery houses and apps. It has a due date and may include interest and penalties. PagFinance allows paying boletos using cryptocurrencies, automatically converting crypto to BRL.
The effective completion of a financial transaction, when the recipient receives the funds.
On PagFinance, PIX settlement occurs in approximately 30 seconds after on-chain confirmation. Settlement speed is one of the key differentiators of off-ramp platforms compared to traditional exchanges.
Infrastructure that processes payments between buyers and sellers.
In the crypto context, it connects wallets to fiat payment methods. PagFinance's gateway processes the cryptocurrency conversion and executes the payment in reais to the final recipient.
Fee charged for converting a cryptocurrency into another currency.
Includes spread, platform fee and potentially gas fee. On PagFinance, fees are transparent and displayed before transaction confirmation.
Related guide →Difference between the buy and sell price of an asset.
Some platforms use spread as a hidden way to charge fees. Spread can vary depending on asset liquidity and transaction volume. Transparent platforms display spread separately.
Related guide →Difference between the expected price and the actual execution price of a transaction.
Occurs due to price variation between the quote and execution. In volatile markets, slippage can be significant. Off-ramp platforms minimize slippage by using real-time quotes and fast execution.
Price continuously updated based on the market.
Off-ramp platforms use real-time quotes to calculate the crypto amount needed for a payment. This ensures the user pays the fair value at the time of the transaction.
Protocol that searches for the best conversion rates across multiple sources.
Ensures the user gets the best available price when converting cryptocurrencies. Aggregators query DEXs, CEXs and liquidity pools to find the most efficient route.
Steps involved from the initiation to the completion of a payment transaction.
Includes identity verification, fee calculation, on-chain confirmation, currency conversion and settlement. On PagFinance, all processing is automated and transparent.
See Settlement (Liquidacao).
English term for the effective completion of a financial transaction, when the recipient receives the funds. See the Liquidacao entry for more details.
Distributed and immutable ledger of transactions.
Each block contains a set of cryptographically verified transactions. Blockchains eliminate the need for intermediaries, enabling secure and transparent peer-to-peer transactions.
Self-executing program stored on the blockchain.
Automatically executes actions when predefined conditions are met. Smart contracts enable programmable payments, DeFi, NFTs and numerous decentralized applications.
Any data or transaction recorded directly on the blockchain.
On-chain transactions are public and verifiable by anyone. They guarantee total transparency and immutability. Payments via PagFinance generate verifiable on-chain transactions.
Fee paid to process a transaction on the blockchain.
Varies depending on the network and congestion. On networks like Solana, gas fees are a fraction of a cent. On networks like Ethereum L1, they can be significantly higher, especially during periods of high demand.
Related guide →High-performance blockchain known for fast and cheap transactions.
The primary network used by PagFinance. Solana processes thousands of transactions per second with fees under $0.01, making it ideal for everyday payments.
The first blockchain with smart contract support.
The foundation for many Layer 2 networks and token standards like ERC-20. Ethereum is the second largest blockchain by market cap and hosts the largest ecosystem of decentralized applications.
Smart contract execution environment compatible with Ethereum.
EVM networks include Polygon, Arbitrum, Base and Optimism. EVM compatibility allows developers to use the same tools and contracts across multiple blockchains.
Scalability solution built on top of a main blockchain (Layer 1).
Processes transactions faster and cheaper while inheriting the security of the main network. Examples: Arbitrum, Optimism, Base. PagFinance supports multiple L2 networks to offer lower fees to users.
Layer 2 network built by Coinbase on Ethereum.
Known for low fees and a growing ecosystem. Base offers full EVM compatibility and has attracted many DeFi and payment projects.
Ethereum Layer 2 network using optimistic rollups.
Popular for DeFi and payments. Arbitrum offers fast transactions with significantly lower costs than Ethereum L1, while maintaining high security.
Ethereum Layer 2 network focused on scalability with decentralized governance.
Uses optimistic rollups to process transactions off the main network. Optimism is known for its open governance model and the OP Stack framework, used by other L2s like Base.
Ethereum sidechain/L2 network. Popular for low-cost transactions.
Polygon offers high speed and very low fees, being widely adopted by payment, gaming and NFT projects. Supported by PagFinance for USDC and USDT transactions.
Blockchain focused on fast international payments. Native token: XRP.
The XRP Ledger processes transactions in 3-5 seconds with minimal fees. Widely used for remittances and cross-border payments. Supported by PagFinance via Xaman, Gem and Crossmark wallets.
Binance's EVM-compatible blockchain. High throughput and low fees.
Previously known as Binance Smart Chain (BSC). Has a large user base and many DeFi protocols. EVM compatibility makes it easy to migrate projects from other networks.
Strategy of operating across multiple blockchains simultaneously.
PagFinance supports 9 networks, including Solana, Polygon, Arbitrum, Base and XRPL. The multi-chain approach allows users to use their preferred blockchain for payments.
Digital asset issued on a blockchain.
Can represent currencies, utility, governance or other values. Tokens follow standards like ERC-20 (Ethereum/EVM) or SPL (Solana). USDC and USDT are examples of stablecoin tokens.
Virtual Asset Service Provider (Brazilian regulatory category). The official classification for companies operating with cryptocurrencies in Brazil.
Defined by BCB Resolutions 519-521. PSAVs must comply with prudential, operational and reporting requirements to the Central Bank of Brazil. The regulation aims to protect consumers and prevent money laundering.
Related guide →Virtual Asset Service Provider. International term (FATF/GAFI) equivalent to the Brazilian PSAV.
Defined by the FATF (Financial Action Task Force), the VASP concept covers any company that offers exchange, transfer, custody or issuance services for virtual assets.
Related guide →Central Bank of Brazil. Regulator of the Brazilian financial system.
Responsible for supervising PSAVs and the country's monetary policy. The BCB created PIX and is developing Drex (the Brazilian CBDC).
Related guide →Brazil's Legal Framework for Cryptoassets.
Establishes rules for virtual asset services in Brazil. Defines responsibilities, minimum requirements and penalties for companies in the sector. Regulated by BCB Resolutions 519-521.
Related guide →Set of 2025 resolutions that regulate PSAVs.
Define prudential, operational and reporting requirements for virtual asset service providers. Establish governance standards, asset segregation and money laundering prevention.
Related guide →Brazilian Federal Revenue system for reporting cryptoasset operations.
Used by Brazilian exchanges and platforms. DeCripto replaces previous systems and centralizes the reporting of virtual asset operations to the Brazilian tax authority.
Related guide →Federal Revenue Normative Instruction that defines cryptoasset operation reporting obligations.
Establishes which operations must be reported, deadlines and formats. Applies to both individuals and legal entities that carry out cryptocurrency transactions above established limits.
Related guide →Customer identity verification process.
Required for amounts above certain limits. KYC helps prevent fraud and money laundering. On PagFinance, the process is simple and secure, with progressive verification levels.
Identity verification process for businesses (legal entities).
Similar to KYC but aimed at businesses. Verifies the company's legal existence, partners, representatives and corporate structure. Required for companies wishing to use crypto payment platforms.
Set of rules and practices for money laundering prevention.
Includes transaction monitoring, identity verification (KYC) and suspicious activity reporting. All regulated crypto payment platforms must implement robust AML policies.
Obligation to keep client funds separate from company funds.
A requirement of the PSAV framework. Ensures that in case of bankruptcy or financial problems, client funds are protected and can be returned in full.
Related guide →Brazilian CBDC (central bank digital currency) under development by the BCB.
Digital version of the Brazilian real. Drex aims to modernize the Brazilian financial system, enabling programmable transactions and integration with smart contracts. Still in the testing phase with financial institutions.
Popular wallet for Solana and other blockchains.
User-friendly interface and dApp support. Phantom offers features like token swaps, staking and NFT viewing. Compatible with PagFinance for payments via Solana.
The most popular wallet for EVM networks (Ethereum, Polygon, etc.).
Available as a browser extension and mobile app. MetaMask supports any EVM-compatible network and is widely used for DeFi, NFTs and crypto payments. Compatible with PagFinance.
Solana-focused wallet with staking and dApp support.
One of the first wallets created for Solana. Offers an intuitive interface, hardware wallet support and advanced asset management tools. Compatible with PagFinance.
Wallet for XRPL (formerly known as XUMM).
The main wallet for XRP transactions. Xaman offers a dedicated mobile interface, secure transaction signing and integration with XRPL ecosystem dApps. Supported by PagFinance.
Open protocol that allows connecting mobile wallets to web applications.
Supports hundreds of wallets. WalletConnect works via QR code or deep link, allowing the user to scan with their mobile wallet to connect to browser dApps securely.
Set of 12 or 24 words that represents the wallet's private key.
Allows recovering access to funds if the device is lost. Must be stored offline and never shared. Anyone with access to the seed phrase has full access to the wallet's funds.
Related guide →Process of confirming transactions or data by querying the blockchain directly.
Done via explorers like Solscan, Etherscan or dashboards like Dune Analytics. On-chain verification ensures total transparency, allowing anyone to confirm that a transaction occurred as expected.
