Two career employees of Brazil's Central Bank have been suspended due to a judicial decision amid the third phase of the Federal Police's 'Operation Compliance Zero', which has also led to the arrest of banker Daniel Vorcaro, owner of Banco Master. The suspended employees are Paulo Sérgio Neves de Sousa, a former director of supervision at the Central Bank, and Bellini Santana, a former head of the department responsible for banking supervision, and they are under investigation for improper conduct during the oversight of Banco Master prior to its liquidation following a crisis at the bank.

In addition to the suspension initiated by the federal police operation, it has been reported that the Central Bank had already opened an internal inquiry to investigate these two employees earlier in November 2025. This indicates that the institution was taking steps to address potential issues related to supervisory responsibilities before legal actions were initiated. It further points to ongoing concerns related to the oversight mechanisms in place within the Central Bank, particularly concerning its effectiveness during critical periods for financial institutions.

The outcomes of both the internal inquiry and the judicial proceedings will likely hold significant implications for regulatory practices within Brazil’s financial sector. As the investigation progresses, there may be broader scrutiny placed on the operations of the Central Bank and its responsibility in overseeing banking institutions, especially those facing financial difficulties. This case may not only impact the individuals involved but also lead to reforms in how the Central Bank conducts supervision and crisis management in the future.