- Coinbase registers with India’s FIU, reopening its crypto trading services after previously halting due to regulatory challenges.
- Coinbase introduces Proof of Reserves for cbBTC, ensuring full Bitcoin backing amid increasing concerns over crypto market stability.
Coinbase has successfully registered with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit. This step opens the path for the US-based platform to once more provide crypto trading services in the nation with more than a billion peoples. Coinbase is likely to return to competing in one of the biggest crypto markets after leaving in 2022 owing to regulatory pressure.
Coinbase Returns to India Amid Regulatory Hurdles
This registration is not only about regulatory compliance but also a clear indication that Coinbase is committed to remaining in India. High taxation and government pressure had earlier driven them to cease running in the nation. But Coinbase has decided to come back as the Indian crypto space develops and young investors show more and more interest.
“We’re committed to building in markets that believe in the potential of crypto and on-chain innovation,” said John O’Loghlen, Regional Managing Director for APAC at Coinbase. He added:
“India represents one of the most exciting market opportunities in the world today, and we’re proud to deepen our investment here in full compliance with local regulations.”
John O’Loghlen notes India is a market with huge potential. The corporation is eager to increase its footprint in Asia with a more developed plan and adherence to India’s anti-money laundering rules. Conversely, this move also puts them under fierce competition with already established exchanges like Binance and CoinDCX.
No Shortages, No Imbalances: cbBTC Reserves
For its wrapped Bitcoin, cbBTC, Coinbase has developed a Proof of Reserves (PoR) scheme in an attempt to increase user trust. According to CNF prior reports, the system is meant to guarantee that genuine Bitcoin fully backs every cbBTC in use.
With reserves of 26,525.15 BTC, Coinbase has a total supply of 26,461.05 cbBTC according to the recent figures. Stated differently, there are no indications of reserve shortages or imbalances—something absolutely vital given mounting user worries about the stability of crypto markets.
Crypto Regulations Tighten, Raising Industry Fears
Although the listing announcement sounds promising, it does not imply Coinbase is off the hook. Just Monday, the stock dropped 10% to $197.61, following its 20% drop thus far this year. Investors were let down that the White House Crypto Summit did not produce any new policies to support the industry.
Coinbase also failed the cut for the quarterly S&P 500 reshuffle, so highlighting companies like DoorDash and TKO Group.
Coinbase also deals with legal obstacles elsewhere. John O’Loghlen pointed out that Australia, a prospective Coinbase market, is now enforcing tougher regulations on crypto companies.
Although interacting with authorities is crucial, he contended that a too demanding approach could drive companies out of business. Should Indian legislation grow overly constrictive, Coinbase could find similar difficulties.
On the other hand, as we previously mentioned, US Senator Cynthia Lummis has submitted an amicus curiae brief supporting Coinbase’s case against the SEC. Currently in the second round in the US Court of Appeals, the lawsuit adds to the ambiguity on the path of crypto regulation in the country.
