Coinbase’s Strategic Reentry into India: A Bullish Signal for Crypto Adoption in Asia-Pacific
In a significant development for the global cryptocurrency landscape, Coinbase has officially resumed operations in India after a two-year regulatory hiatus. This move follows the exchange's successful registration with India's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), a crucial milestone that ensures compliance with the nation's stringent anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. The timing of this reentry, announced in December 2025, underscores a maturing regulatory environment and Coinbase's long-term commitment to one of the world's most promising digital asset markets. The Asia-Pacific region represents a cornerstone of future crypto growth, and India, with its vast, tech-savvy population, is a pivotal battleground. Coinbase's compliance with local AML laws is not merely a procedural step; it is a foundational move that builds institutional trust and paves the way for sustainable, mainstream adoption. During the recent India Blockchain Week, John O’Loghlen, Coinbase's Asia-Pacific director, unveiled ambitious plans to launch a fiat on-ramp service in 2024. This feature is strategically designed to lower the entry barrier for millions of new users, allowing them to seamlessly convert Indian Rupees into cryptocurrencies, thereby fueling network growth and liquidity. From a bullish perspective, this development is a multi-layered positive signal. First, it demonstrates that major crypto enterprises can successfully navigate and cooperate with evolving regulatory frameworks, turning compliance into a competitive advantage. Second, Coinbase's targeted investment in local infrastructure, like the fiat gateway, shows a deep understanding of market-specific needs, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all global strategy. Finally, this reentry acts as a high-profile endorsement of India's digital economy potential, likely encouraging further investment and innovation within the sector. As regulatory clarity improves and access simplifies, India is poised to become a powerhouse of crypto adoption, with Coinbase well-positioned at the forefront of this financial transformation.
Coinbase Reopens India Operations After Regulatory Clearance
Coinbase has resumed registrations in India following a two-year hiatus, marking its return after securing registration with India's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). The exchange now complies with local anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, a critical step for operating in the market.
Asia-Pacific director John O’Loghlen revealed plans to launch a fiat on-ramp service in 2024 during India Blockchain Week. The feature aims to streamline cryptocurrency purchases for Indian users, addressing previous payment infrastructure challenges.
The reopening comes after Coinbase's abrupt 2022 withdrawal when India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) refused to support its operations. This regulatory hurdle forced the exchange to suspend services despite its initial market entry efforts.
Coinbase Re-enters Indian Market with Plans for Fiat Integration by 2026
Coinbase has resumed operations in India after a two-year hiatus, signaling a strategic comeback to one of the world's largest internet markets. The crypto exchange currently offers crypto-to-crypto trading and aims to reintroduce fiat currency support by 2026, enabling Indian users to deposit rupees and purchase digital assets directly.
The company initially launched in India in April 2022 but faced immediate regulatory hurdles when the National Payments Corporation rejected its use of the Unified Payments Interface. By September 2023, Coinbase had exited the market entirely, requiring customers to liquidate holdings. CEO Brian Armstrong cited "informal pressure from the Reserve Bank of India" as the reason for the withdrawal.
John O’Loghlen, Coinbase's Asia-Pacific director, described the exit as a calculated risk that allowed the company to reset its regulatory standing. "Forcing account closures was counterintuitive but necessary," he remarked during India Blockchain Week. The MOVE appears to have paid off, with Coinbase now positioned to rebuild its presence under clearer compliance frameworks.
