TikTok has applied to the Brazilian Central Bank for fintech activities. The company reportedly plans to offer in-app payments and credit services.
As part of the application, TikTok is seeking to obtain electronic money issuer status. This would allow users to maintain balances, receive funds, and make payments within the app.
The company is also seeking permission to operate as a direct credit institution. This license would allow TikTok to issue loans from its own funds or connect borrowers with lenders, but would prohibit it from accepting deposits.
ByteDance executives, including global payments chief Liao Baohua, reportedly met with Gabriel Galipolo, head of Brazil’s Central Bank. According to statistics, TikTok had 131 million adult users in the country by the end of 2025.
