Coinbase Strengthens Global Crypto Footprint Through Strategic CoinDCX Investment

In a significant move that underscores the growing institutional confidence in emerging digital asset markets, Coinbase has announced a strategic investment in CoinDCX, India's largest cryptocurrency exchange. This development, occurring in October 2025, represents a major expansion of Coinbase's presence in South Asia's rapidly growing cryptocurrency ecosystem. The investment comes at a time when India's crypto market has reached a remarkable milestone of over 100 million participants, demonstrating the substantial potential for growth in the region. CoinDCX's impressive operational metrics, including $165 billion in annualized trading volume and $1.2 billion in assets under custody, highlight the exchange's dominant position in the Indian market and validate Coinbase's strategic decision. This partnership not only strengthens Coinbase's foothold in one of the world's fastest-growing crypto economies but also signals a broader trend of established Western crypto firms seeking opportunities in emerging markets. The collaboration between these two industry leaders is expected to drive further innovation, enhance regulatory compliance standards, and accelerate cryptocurrency adoption across South Asia. As institutional interest in digital assets continues to grow globally, this strategic alignment positions both companies to capitalize on India's rapidly expanding crypto landscape while contributing to the overall maturation of the global digital asset industry.

Coinbase Bolsters Indian Crypto Market Presence with CoinDCX Investment

Coinbase has deepened its commitment to emerging markets with a strategic investment in CoinDCX, India's largest cryptocurrency exchange. The MOVE signals growing institutional confidence in South Asia's digital asset ecosystem, where over 100 million users now participate.

CoinDCX's operational metrics demonstrate its market dominance: $165 billion in annualized trading volume, $1.2 billion in assets under custody, and 20 million registered users. The exchange has shown remarkable resilience, quickly recovering from a July security incident while expanding into Middle Eastern markets through compliant retail offerings.

This investment builds on Coinbase Ventures' previous participation in CoinDCX's 2022 Series D round, which valued the Indian exchange at $2 billion. The partnership strengthens Coinbase's foothold in a region where regulatory clarity and institutional-grade infrastructure remain key growth drivers.

Coinbase Expands Stake in India's CoinDCX Amid Regulatory Scrutiny

Coinbase Ventures has committed fresh capital to CoinDCX, solidifying its position in India's rapidly evolving cryptocurrency market. The deal, contingent upon regulatory approvals, signals growing institutional interest in Asia's third-largest economy despite ongoing policy uncertainties.

CoinDCX's valuation remains undisclosed, though the exchange reported processing over $20 billion in spot volumes during 2023's bull market. The partnership may accelerate product integrations between Coinbase's institutional infrastructure and CoinDCX's retail-dominated user base.

S&P Global Partners with Chainlink to Bring Stablecoin Ratings On-Chain

S&P Global Ratings has forged a groundbreaking alliance with Chainlink, marking a pivotal convergence of traditional finance and decentralized ecosystems. The collaboration will enable S&P's Stablecoin Stability Assessments (SSAs) to be published directly on-chain via Chainlink's Data Feed service—a first for the credit rating agency.

The initiative introduces a specialized 1-5 stability scale, distinct from traditional credit ratings, to evaluate stablecoins' peg maintenance capabilities. DeFi protocols can now integrate these assessments into smart contracts for risk management and collateral valuation.

Launching initially on Coinbase's Base ethereum Layer-2 network, the service signals growing institutional recognition of blockchain infrastructure. The move provides DeFi markets with trusted risk analysis previously confined to traditional finance.

California Bans Forced Liquidation of Unclaimed Crypto Assets

California has become the first U.S. state to prohibit the forced liquidation of unclaimed cryptocurrency holdings. Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 822 into law on October 11, amending the state's Unclaimed Property Law to require that dormant digital assets be held in their original FORM rather than automatically converted to fiat currency.

The legislation addresses a critical pain point in digital asset escheatment, where exchanges typically surrender dormant accounts under existing unclaimed property laws. Most states immediately liquidate such crypto holdings, returning only the fiat equivalent to claimants who later come forward. California's new approach mandates licensed crypto custodians to maintain assets in-kind, preserving the original cryptocurrency for rightful owners.

Coinbase's legal team has publicly endorsed the measure, noting it aligns cryptocurrency treatment with existing protocols for securities and bank accounts. The policy also eliminates potential tax complications, as forced conversions previously triggered capital gains events based on the state's liquidation timing and pricing.