Key Insights
- Coinbase secured registration with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit, allowing it to resume trading services and launch retail operations later this year.
- After halting operations in India due to regulatory pressure, Coinbase now plans to expand investments and product offerings in full compliance with local laws.
- The U.S. SEC dismissed its 2023 lawsuit against Coinbase, signaling a shift in regulatory approach and emphasizing the need for clearer crypto policies.
MUMBAI (MarketsXplora) – Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase (COIN) has taken a significant step toward re-entering the Indian market after securing registration with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the company announced on Tuesday. The move enables Coinbase to resume offering trading services in India, according to a report by Coindesk.
The development marks a turning point for Coinbase, which has faced regulatory roadblocks in India in recent years. After initially operating in the country, the company suspended its services due to regulatory challenges, later citing “informal pressure” from the Reserve Bank of India as a key reason for halting operations in 2022. The following year, it ceased accepting new user registrations but continued to provide wallet services to Indian customers.
Coinbase Cleared for India Expansion
Coinbase’s FIU registration represents a renewed push into India, a market it considers one of the most promising globally. “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,” said John O’Loghlen, the company’s Regional Managing Director for Asia-Pacific.
The exchange had been in talks with Indian regulators, including the FIU, earlier in 2025 regarding a possible re-entry. With its latest approval, Coinbase now intends to launch retail services later this year and explore additional product offerings, alongside expanding its investments in the region.
Read also! Coinbase to Launch 24/7 Bitcoin, Ethereum Futures Trading in Regulatory First
SEC Drops Lawsuit Against Coinbase
In a separate regulatory shift, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has dropped its lawsuit against Coinbase, signaling a potential change in the agency’s stance on cryptocurrency oversight.
Filed in 2023, the lawsuit accused Coinbase of facilitating the trade of unregistered securities and failing to comply with regulatory requirements. The company maintained that crypto-assets do not meet the legal definition of securities, a position that has been a point of contention between regulators and industry players.
Acting SEC Chairman Mark T. Uyeda acknowledged that past regulatory approaches had prioritized enforcement actions over public engagement, highlighting the need for clearer and more transparent policies. The case’s dismissal aligns with a broader shift in the SEC’s strategy, particularly amid speculation that Paul Atkins, a crypto-friendly figure, could take on a leadership role at the agency.
The dual developments—a green light for Coinbase in India and a regulatory reprieve in the U.S.—could bolster the company’s global ambitions at a time when crypto regulation remains in flux.
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