• Coinbase has registered with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), allowing it to offer crypto trading services in compliance with local regulations.
  • The exchange plans to launch retail services later this year, positioning India as a key market for its global expansion strategy.

Coinbase has secured registration with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), allowing the cryptocurrency exchange to offer crypto trading services in the country.

This move marks a key step in Coinbase’s international expansion, with plans to launch retail services later in the year, followed by additional investments and product offerings.

John O'Loghlen, Regional Managing Director for APAC at Coinbase, emphasized the company’s commitment to operating within regulatory frameworks.

“We’re committed to building in markets that believe in the potential of crypto and onchain innovation,” he said.
“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.”

India has emerged as a major player in the global technology sector and a growing hub for onchain development. The country’s share of global developers in the space has risen from 3% in 2018 to 12% in 2023, making it one of the most significant contributors to blockchain-based innovations.

“India’s developer community and entrepreneurial energy are unmatched,” O'Loghlen noted.
“But too often, young Indian entrepreneurs have felt forced to look abroad to build global companies. Crypto can change that. By expanding access to our trusted platform and tools such as Base, we aim to empower a new generation of builders to stay home, innovate locally, and scale globally.”

Beyond its business expansion, Coinbase is also strengthening its engagement with regulatory and business communities. Paul Grewal, the company’s Chief Legal Officer, was recently appointed to the Board of the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC), an organization that promotes economic cooperation between the two countries.

Coinbase has stated that its approach prioritizes compliance with local regulations while fostering innovation. The FIU registration in India is part of this strategy, reinforcing the company’s goal of expanding cryptocurrency adoption in a regulated and responsible manner.

As Coinbase increases its presence in India, it aims to contribute to the country’s evolving role in global blockchain innovation.

Edited by Harshajit Sarmah