As Coinbase advances its blockchain initiatives in India, you might wonder how a global company plans to influence the country’s rapidly evolving crypto landscape. With strategic talks involving government officials and a focus on integrating blockchain into public infrastructure, the company’s approach could shape the future of digital finance in India. But what specific steps is Coinbase taking, and how will they navigate the country’s regulatory environment to succeed?
Coinbase is accelerating its blockchain initiatives in India as it prepares to expand its crypto services in the country. You, as a user interested in global crypto markets, should know that Coinbase has officially registered with the Financial Intelligence Unit – India (FIU-IND) in early 2025. This registration is a crucial step, allowing Coinbase to legally offer crypto trading services in India.
The company plans to launch its initial retail crypto offerings later in 2025, with plans to introduce more products afterward. By doing so, Coinbase joins other major exchanges like CoinDCX, Binance, and KuCoin that have also completed mandatory FIU registration, emphasizing the importance of compliance in India’s regulatory environment.
You should understand that this registration process isn’t just a formality; it involves strict adherence to anti-money laundering laws and regulatory reporting obligations. The Indian authorities have been vigilant, especially after platforms like Bybit faced penalties of ₹9.3 crore for non-compliance. This signals that Coinbase is committed to operating within India’s legal framework, understanding that regulatory compliance is critical for long-term success.
Coinbase’s strategic focus on Karnataka and blockchain infrastructure further highlights its commitment to the Indian market. You might find it interesting that in August 2025, Coinbase’s legal chief Paul Grewal engaged in high-level talks with Karnataka’s IT Minister Priyank Kharge. These discussions centered on developing blockchain infrastructure, including initiatives like developer education and cybersecurity collaborations.
Coinbase is advocating for state-supported programs such as hackathons and capacity-building workshops, aiming to foster a vibrant developer ecosystem. The company envisions blockchain technology as more than just a tool for crypto assets — it can serve as a civic resource for governance transparency and efficiency.
Karnataka, a state known for its tech-forward approach since 2017, offers a fertile environment for blockchain trials and pilots. Coinbase’s focus here indicates a broader ambition to embed blockchain into India’s public infrastructure. This development is part of India’s broader efforts to modernize its financial and administrative systems using blockchain technology.
You should also be aware that Coinbase’s history in India reflects ongoing regulatory challenges. The company initially launched limited services in 2017, but the RBI’s 2018 banking ban curtailed its operations until the Supreme Court overturned it in 2020.
Since then, Coinbase has ramped up its offerings, including Coinbase Pro for professional traders. Nonetheless, attempts like supporting UPI payments in 2022 were short-lived due to regulatory hurdles.
The evolving Indian crypto policy landscape presents both opportunities and risks, requiring Coinbase to stay agile and compliant. Discussions around partnerships with local authorities, cybersecurity collaborations, and developer programs reinforce Coinbase’s aim to integrate deeply into India’s digital infrastructure.
