Why Does India Need a Crypto Regulatory Body?

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India's cryptocurrency landscape has experienced rapid growth and transformation in recent years. With a burgeoning market and increasing user adoption, the necessity for a dedicated regulatory body has become a focal point of discussion. Establishing such an entity is pivotal for ensuring market stability, protecting investors, and aligning with global crypto regulatory standards.

Current State of Cryptocurrency in India As of 2025, India's cryptocurrency market is projected to generate approximately $6.4 billion in revenue, with an estimated user base of 107.3 million individuals.



This substantial growth underscores the country's significant interest in digital assets. Notably, India has emerged as a global leader in cryptocurrency adoption for two consecutive years, reflecting widespread acceptance and utilization. Recent Developments in Regulatory Approaches The Indian government has historically exhibited caution toward cryptocurrencies, implementing stringent regulatory measures and imposing high taxes on trading gains.

However, recent global shifts, including policy changes in the United States under President Donald Trump , have prompted India to reevaluate its stance on digital assets. Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth highlighted that due to the cross-border nature of crypto assets, India's approach cannot be unilateral. In a significant development, Coinbase, a leading U.

S.-based cryptocurrency exchange, registered with India's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to offer crypto trading services. This move indicates a potential softening of India's previous reservations toward digital currencies and reflects a shift toward a more open regulatory environment.

The Imperative for a Dedicated Regulatory Body The rapid expansion of India's cryptocurrency market necessitates robust oversight to ensure stability and protect investors from potential fraud and market manipulation. A dedicated regulatory body would be instrumental in establishing clear guidelines and monitoring mechanisms, thereby fostering a secure trading environment. As cryptocurrencies operate on a global scale, India's regulatory framework must harmonize with international standards to facilitate cross-border transactions and collaborations.

A specialized regulatory authority would enable India to participate effectively in global discussions and policy-making processes concerning digital assets. A well-regulated cryptocurrency market can stimulate economic growth by attracting investments and encouraging technological innovation. By providing a clear regulatory pathway, India can position itself as a hub for blockchain technology and related financial services, contributing to its vision of becoming a $7 trillion economy.

Without a dedicated regulatory framework, the cryptocurrency market in India faces several challenges: Market Volatility: Unregulated markets are susceptible to extreme price fluctuations, which can lead to significant financial losses for investors. Fraudulent Activities: The lack of oversight can result in increased fraudulent schemes, compromising investor trust and market integrity. Financial Instability: Unregulated cryptocurrency activities can pose risks to the broader financial system, potentially leading to economic instability.

Globally, countries are adopting diverse approaches to cryptocurrency regulation: United States: The U.S. has implemented a regulatory framework that includes registration requirements for exchanges and anti-money laundering (AML) protocols.

European Union : The EU is developing comprehensive regulations through the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework to ensure consumer protection and market integrity. Japan: Japan has established clear guidelines for cryptocurrency exchanges, focusing on investor protection and AML measures. India's proactive engagement in formulating a dedicated regulatory body would align it with these global practices, ensuring a balanced approach to innovation and risk management.

The establishment of a dedicated cryptocurrency regulatory body in India is imperative to navigate the complexities of the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape. Such an entity would ensure market stability, protect investors, and foster economic growth by aligning with global regulatory standards. As India continues to experience significant growth in cryptocurrency adoption, the timely implementation of a robust regulatory framework will be crucial in harnessing the potential of digital assets while mitigating associated risks.

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