Coinbase Reopens Crypto Trading App Registrations in India After Two-Year Halt
Coinbase resumes Indian operations with crypto-only trading after a two-year regulatory suspension, marking a cautious re-entry into a challenging but growing market.
Coinbase has reopened access for Indian users after a two-year suspension tied to regulatory issues over payment channels. The relaunch enables crypto-to-crypto trading only, following a prior withdrawal in 2023 due to Unified Payments Interface complications. Asia-Pacific director John O’Loghlen emphasized a clean-slate approach, with registration obtained from the Financial Intelligence Unit and operations expanded beyond an early-access phase launched in October. Despite India’s heavy taxation on crypto gains and transaction levies, Coinbase is increasing investment in local exchange CoinDCX, valued at $2.45 billion, and plans to expand its workforce. Fiat services are targeted for rollout in 2026.
- Crypto-to-crypto trades: Transactions where one cryptocurrency is exchanged directly for another without converting to fiat currency.
- Fiat on-ramp: A service allowing users to deposit traditional government-issued currency, such as the Indian rupee, into a cryptocurrency account for purchases.
- Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU): Government agency responsible for overseeing and monitoring financial transactions to detect and prevent money laundering and other illicit activities.