ndia's Finance Ministry has set its sights on blocking major offshore cryptocurrency exchanges, including Binance, Kucoin, Huobi, and others. The ministry accuses these exchanges of operating illegally in India without adhering to local money laundering laws.
Understanding the Compliance Show-Cause Notices
The Indian finance ministry has issued compliance show-cause notices to nine offshore cryptocurrency exchanges, demanding an explanation for their non-compliance with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The affected exchanges, including Binance, Kucoin, Huobi, Kraken, Gate.io, Bittrex, Bitstamp, MEXC Global, and Bitfinex, have been accused of operating illegally in India without adhering to local money laundering laws.
The Role of the Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND)
The finance ministry has emphasized that virtual digital asset (VDA) service providers engaged in activities such as the exchange between virtual digital assets and fiat currencies must register with the Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND).
The FIU-IND plays a crucial role in monitoring and regulating financial activities in the country. Non-compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT) framework has led to the show-cause notices issued to these offshore exchanges.
Obligation of Registration and Compliance
The finance ministry clarified that the obligation for registration and compliance is not dependent on physical presence in India. The regulatory framework encompasses reporting, record-keeping, and other obligations under the PMLA.
While 31 service providers of virtual digital assets have registered with the FIU-IND, several offshore entities catering to a substantial portion of Indian users have failed to comply with the regulatory requirements. The action taken by India's Finance Ministry to block major offshore exchanges has significant implications for the cryptocurrency industry in the country.
Shift to Foreign Exchanges
The implementation of a direct 1% tax on every crypto transaction in India on local exchanges has led many users to shift to foreign exchanges. The loss of potential revenues due to this shift is estimated to be around $420 million (Rs. 3,493 crores).
The increased popularity of offshore platforms among Indian users poses challenges for the government in terms of regulatory oversight and revenue generation.
Regulatory Clarity and Investor Confidence
The move to block offshore exchanges highlights the government's focus on regulatory compliance and investor protection. By enforcing compliance with money laundering laws, the Finance Ministry aims to bring greater transparency and accountability to the cryptocurrency industry. This, in turn, can boost investor confidence and attract more institutional players to the Indian market.
