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Coinbase is set to reenter the Indian market after addressing regulatory hurdles faced since 2022, aiming to boost its global footprint.
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Despite its previous challenges, Coinbase is engaging proactively with Indian regulators to ensure a compliant launch this time around.
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Market analysts predict that Coinbase’s return could introduce significant liquidity to the Indian crypto market, altering the competitive landscape.
Coinbase plans to reenter the Indian crypto market after addressing regulatory challenges, potentially reshaping competition and increasing liquidity in the sector.
Coinbase Mulls Reentry in Indian Market
Initially, Coinbase launched in India with a promising start in April 2022 by integrating with the popular United Payments Interface (UPI). However, the very next day, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) denied the legitimacy of its operations, leading to a swift suspension of services.
The regulatory landscape in India has been challenging for crypto businesses, primarily due to its strict tax regime, which includes a **30% tax** on crypto gains and a **1% TDS** on transactions. These policies have dampened enthusiasm among retail investors and reduced overall market liquidity.
International exchanges, including major players like **Binance** and **Kraken**, have faced issues with compliance. Some have adapted to local regulations, with Binance regaining operational status in India after meeting the necessary requirements. Coinbase is following suit, actively pursuing regulatory approval.
While the timeline for Coinbase’s relaunch is not yet clear—dependent on the acquisition of an FIU license and other regulatory approvals—analysts are optimistic regarding its potential impact.
“If they receive the green light, a surge in liquidity could follow,” stated analyst Kyle Chassé.
On the financial front, Coinbase’s stock (COIN) witnessed a surge following the news of its potential reentry, trading at **$274.80** recently.
Interestingly, this isn’t Coinbase’s first attempt to align its services with India’s regulatory framework. In late 2023, it made adjustments around the G20 Summit, a sign of its efforts to better navigate the Indian market.
This time, Coinbase seems to adopt a more strategic approach, ensuring that regulatory requirements are well met before it resumes operations.
“Last time they got rekt by regulators. If they haven’t leveled up, it’s just another liquidity trap,” commented a user on X (Twitter).
India’s Crypto Market and Coinbase’s Potential Impact
Coinbase’s aspirations for the Indian market align with its broader strategy for international growth. Its chief legal officer, Paul Grewal, was appointed to the US-India Business Council (USIBC) Global Board of Directors, signifying a commitment to fostering connections between the two nations in fintech and digital assets.
“I’m honored to join the USIBC Board to help strengthen the bridge between India and the US in shaping the future of finance,” remarked Grewal, acknowledging the importance of this collaborative effort.
Despite facing regulatory challenges, India continues to thrive as a center for blockchain innovation and cryptocurrency development. The country has observed a growth in Web3 initiatives, propelled by startups and developer communities.
However, the local cryptocurrency market has struggled due to a mix of regulatory uncertainty and burdensome tax regulations. The anticipated return of Coinbase could significantly alter the landscape, especially given the recent challenges faced by **WazirX**, which lost substantial reserves due to a security breach.
The Indian crypto market is currently led by exchanges like **CoinSwitch** and **CoinDCX**, which are already Coinbase-backed. Therefore, a successful reentry by Coinbase might introduce greater competition and ultimately offer Indian users a more substantial trading platform.
“This move could impact the crypto market and reshape competition among local exchanges,” added another user on X.
Conclusion
As Coinbase navigates its return to India, it will need to establish a strong foundation of compliance and trust with regulatory bodies. Given the significant potential for liquidity influx and the reshaping of competitive dynamics within the Indian crypto market, the stakes are high. A well-executed strategy could not only enhance Coinbase’s market presence but also invigorate the Indian crypto landscape.
