India’s SEBI recommends local regulators to monitor crypto trading

As an analyst with a background in finance and experience following the regulatory landscape of India’s financial markets, I believe that having multiple regulators oversee cryptocurrency trading is a prudent approach. The proposed division of responsibilities among SEBI, RBI, IRDAI, PFRDA, and the Consumer Protection Act makes sense given the diverse nature of activities surrounding digital assets.


As a securities market analyst, I have come across recent reports suggesting that the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposes a collaborative regulatory approach for overseeing cryptocurrency trading within the Indian jurisdiction. According to insights obtained from confidential documents reviewed by Reuters, this recommendation implies the involvement of multiple regulatory bodies in ensuring compliance and implementing regulations related to digital currencies.

The documents indicate that it would be appropriate for a specific division within India’s financial regulatory body to be responsible for overseeing regulation in this area. Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expressed concerns in a separate document about the potential macroeconomic risks posed by digital currencies to India.

As a financial analyst, I can tell you that according to Reuters, government representatives have forwarded the necessary papers to a specialized body responsible for providing guidance to our nation’s finance ministry regarding financial policies.

As a researcher studying regulatory frameworks for digital assets, I would propose that instead of having a single regulatory body responsible for overseeing all digital asset-related activities, it would be more effective for various regulatory bodies to collaborate and manage the aspects within their respective jurisdictions.

As a financial analyst, I would explain it this way: I will focus on the role of two key regulatory bodies in India’s digital asset sector. SEBI, the Securities and Exchange Board of India, will be responsible for regulating digital assets classified as securities and initial coin offerings (ICOs), while also issuing licenses for financial products related to these assets. On the other hand, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will oversee the regulation of fiat-backed stablecoins within our economic system.

As a researcher exploring the regulatory landscape of digital assets in India, I have discovered that the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is responsible for overseeing crypto-related insurance matters. On the other hand, pension-related issues concerning digital assets are within the jurisdiction of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). In case of disputes between investors in India, the Consumer Protection Act will be applicable.

The central bank of the country takes a cautious stance towards cryptocurrencies, as reported by reliable sources. It is said that the RBI favors the prohibition of stablecoins. Moreover, the bank has expressed worries that cryptocurrencies could be used for tax evasion and pointed out that their decentralized nature relies on voluntary compliance in peer-to-peer transactions, potentially threatening fiscal stability.

Central banks, including the RBI, believe that the use of cryptocurrencies could lead to a decrease in revenue generated through the creation of money by these financial institutions.

I’ve observed India’s efforts to adapt its regulatory structure for digital assets. In late December 2023, Indian authorities took action against foreign crypto exchanges that weren’t compliant with local regulations. They issued 15 notices and subsequently blocked the URLs and mobile applications for these platforms, making them inaccessible to local users.

Currently, among all exchanges, only KuCoin and Binance have managed to secure licenses from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to resume their activities in India. Notably, the Indian administration has extended an invitation to the members of the G20 to collaborate on regulating digital assets.

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2024-05-16 20:16