ZebPay Launches SIPs to Champion Disciplined Bitcoin Investing in India

ZebPay, one of India’s pioneering Bitcoin exchanges, has announced the launch of its Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) feature, allowing users to avail the benefit of automated, recurring crypto investments. The new feature is designed to promote a disciplined, long-term approach to crypto investing, especially Bitcoin, helping Indian investors manage market volatility with consistency and confidence.

Reinforcing its long-standing Bitcoin-first philosophy, ZebPay has designed its SIP offering with a clear emphasis on systematic Bitcoin investing, while also extending access to a curated set of 15 crypto investing pairs. Anchored in the brand’s “Bitcoin Mein Pro” ethos, the initiative underscores ZebPay’s belief that long-term value in crypto is built through discipline, consistency, and informed participation rather than short-term speculation.

Sharing his views on the launch, Rahul Pagidipati, CEO of ZebPay, said, “Bitcoin investing, like any long-term financial journey, rewards discipline and consistency. While market volatility is inevitable, systematic investing can help users navigate these cycles with greater confidence. Through the launch of SIPs, we aim to make it easier for Indian investors to adopt a long-term mindset, leverage rupee-cost averaging, and participate in the crypto ecosystem in a more structured and responsible manner.”

By enabling regular investments at fixed intervals, ZebPay SIPs help users reduce reactionary decision-making and build disciplined investing habits focused on long-term participation in the crypto ecosystem. The feature is suited for both first-time investors beginning their crypto journey and experienced users seeking a more structured investment approach. Furthermore, ZebPay SIPs enable users to automate their crypto investments on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis through the platform’s Quick Trade feature. Investments are executed automatically at prevailing market prices, allowing for hands-free investing while helping users average their purchase costs over time. Users also retain full flexibility, with the option to pause, resume, or cancel their SIPs at any time, without lock-ins or penalties.

Raj Karkara, COO of ZebPay, mentioned, “Over the years, we’ve seen growing interest from users seeking simpler, more automated ways to invest in crypto without the need to constantly track the markets. ZebPay SIPs are designed to offer users control and transparency while reducing the friction associated with manual investing. This launch marks another step in our ongoing efforts to build intuitive, compliant, and investor-first solutions for India’s evolving crypto community.”

Setting up a SIP on ZebPay is designed to be simple and transparent. Users can select a crypto asset of their choice, set a fixed investment amount in INR, and choose an investment frequency aligned with their financial goals. Each SIP execution is carried out through Quick Trade market orders, with the purchased crypto credited directly to the user’s account. Investors also have clear visibility into their investment amounts, applicable fees, and execution history at all times.

In line with ZebPay’s commitment to accessible and responsible investing, SIPs follow the same fee structure as Quick Trade. As a special benefit, users making their first-ever Bitcoin transaction, even if via SIP, will enjoy a zero-fee experience, making it easier for new investors to take their first step toward systematic Bitcoin investing. On that note, ZebPay SIPs are available to KYC-compliant users, with investments executed only when sufficient wallet balance is present. The feature has been live on Android and web platforms from January 8, 2026, and has also become available on iOS since January 12, 2026.

With this launch, ZebPay reinforces its position as a platform focused on long-term value creation. The SIP offering embodies the company’s broader philosophy of promoting disciplined investing, setting ZebPay apart from platforms primarily focused on active or high-frequency trading.

About ZebPay

ZebPay is one of India’s oldest Bitcoin exchanges, with over 6 million registered users. Founded in 2014, it strives to be the leading blockchain asset solution provider and the #1 financial advisor for Indians in the crypto space. The company’s mission is to help its members achieve financial freedom in the Web3 economy. ZebPay is an FIU-registered digital asset exchange, accessible via zebpay.com/in/ as well as the Android Play Store and Apple App Store. Customers can invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, BAT, and 400+ other crypto pairs, trading both crypto-fiat and crypto-crypto. ZebPay OTC, a bespoke trading desk for high-volume clients, serves both individual and institutional investors.

For more details, please visit: https://zebpay.com.

For details related to ZebPay’s security measures, please visit the security page.

Brave Browser Users in India Can Now Connect ZebPay Account with Brave Rewards (BAT)

ZebPay, India’s oldest and most trusted crypto asset exchange, today announced its exclusive partnership with the Brave browser, a revolutionary web browser known for its innovative rewards system and deep commitment to user security and privacy.

With this partnership, Brave Browser users in India will now be able to connect a ZebPay account to Brave Rewards in order to begin earning Basic Attention Tokens (BAT). Existing users in India with previous earnings will also be able to connect a ZebPay account and have their balances redeemed for BAT and transferred to their ZebPay accounts. In the near future, creators will also be able to connect a ZebPay account to their Brave Creators account, allowing them to receive BAT contributions from Brave Rewards users.

This exclusive partnership makes ZebPay the only crypto exchange in India to have this feature and one of only three globally. The partnership aims to empower users by enabling them to maximize the potential of their accumulated BAT token rewards. Users will be able to use this feature by creating an account on ZebPay and linking it to their Brave Rewards wallet.

Rahul Pagidipati, CEO, ZebPay, said, “We are thrilled to be the exclusive partners for Brave Rewards in India. This strategic partnership not only reinforces our commitment to empowering users but also demonstrates our unwavering support of the crypto ecosystem in India. By enabling users to seamlessly transfer Brave Rewards to ZebPay, we are unlocking a new realm of possibilities for crypto enthusiasts. This is a testament to ZebPay's vision of creating a more inclusive and accessible crypto ecosystem where users can fully harness the potential of their digital assets."

"We're thrilled to partner with ZebPay to enable our millions of Brave users in India to benefit from their Brave Rewards experience," said Brendan Eich, CEO and co-founder of Brave. "With this custodial integration, users can seamlessly access their BAT payouts in their ZebPay account and get rewarded for their online attention."

This strategic alliance underscores ZebPay's role as a pioneer within the Web3 landscape in India, propelling the crypto industry towards a future of accessibility, security, and digital empowerment.

ZebPay is India’s oldest crypto asset exchange, with more than 7 million downloads. Founded in 2014, ZebPay aims to be the leading blockchain asset solution provider and the #1 financial advisor for all Indians invested in the crypto space. The company’s mission is to help its members achieve financial freedom in the Web3 economy. ZebPay’s secure and compliant exchange is available via the web and on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. ZebPay members can invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other crypto assets, trading both crypto-fiat and crypto-crypto pairs. ZebPay OTC, a bespoke trading desk for high-volume clients, serves both individuals and institutions. For more details please visit: https://zebpay.com

Brave Software’s fast, privacy-oriented browser, combined with its blockchain-based digital advertising platform, is reinventing the Web for users, publishers, and advertisers. Users can opt into privacy-respecting ads that reward them with the Basic Attention Token (BAT), a frequent flyer-like token they can redeem or use to tip or contribute to publishers and other content creators. Brave is a driving force leading the way for Web3 adoption, directly supporting Web3 into the broader Web through its privacy browser, independent search engine, and browser-native, multi-chain crypto wallet. Brave currently has over 60 million monthly active users and over 1.8 million Creators.

You can learn more about Brave at brave.com, or follow the company on Twitter @brave.

 

ZebPay Unveils CryptoPacks to Streamline Crypto Investments with Curated Portfolios

ZebPay, India’s oldest crypto asset exchange, today announced the launch of a new feature, CryptoPacks, that will enable crypto enthusiasts to effortlessly invest in well-balanced, thematic portfolios of crypto assets. The portfolios are meticulously designed to allow investors to take a sectoral approach to investing.

The BlockBuster Pack, for example, gives investors exposure to a diversified curation of leading crypto assets with high global adoption and overall market cap. The Metaverse or Layer 1 Packs, on the other hand, allow users to invest in the long-term potential of leading projects with specific blockchain use cases. With a wide range of portfolios to choose from, ZebPay is actively empowering users to diversify their holdings based on strategic asset allocations.

Users can access the CryptoPacks feature directly through ZebPay’s mobile and web applications. CryptoPacks will not only help users save time but also help users evaluate the Risk and Reward dynamics of their investments effectively.

CryptoPacks presents a multiplicity of elements such as a comprehensive performance overview, that will allow users to monitor their portfolio's historical progress over varying timeframes. Additionally, its innovative Risk and Reward Rating system will provide insightful perspectives on investment risks and potential rewards, empowering well-informed decisions in line with their risk appetite. CryptoPacks ensure strategic risk management and optimized returns by facilitating diversified allocation across multiple crypto assets in a single step. The feature also offers users a simplified, real-time view of profits and losses, enabling quick comprehension of investment growth trajectory and data-driven decisions on buying, selling, and holding assets.

Rahul Pagidipati, CEO, ZebPay, said, “ZebPay remains committed to empowering users with innovative solutions that simplify crypto investing. With the introduction of CryptoPacks, we are proud to offer a seamless way to make informed investment decisions by providing access to thematic, diversified portfolios and effective performance tracking. At ZebPay, we understand the intricacies of crypto investments, and the introduction of the CryptoPacks feature is a significant step in our ongoing journey to make crypto investments more accessible to investors across all experience levels."

The launch of CryptoPacks underlines ZebPay's continuous efforts towards delivering user-centric solutions that drive growth and education within the crypto ecosystem.

ZebPay is India’s oldest crypto asset exchange, with more than 7 million downloads. Founded in 2014, ZebPay aims to be the leading blockchain asset solution provider and the #1 financial advisor for all Indians invested in the crypto space. The company’s mission is to help its members achieve financial freedom in the Web3 economy. ZebPay’s secure and compliant exchange is available via the web and on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. ZebPay also operates an exchange in Australia and Singapore, serving 162 countries. ZebPay members can invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 150 other crypto assets, trading both crypto-fiat and crypto-crypto pairs. ZebPay OTC, a bespoke trading desk for high-volume clients, serves both individuals and institutions. For more details, please visit: https://zebpay.com/otc/

ZebPay Partners With TaxNodes to Demystify Crypto Taxation for Indian Investors

Partnership to benefit Indian crypto investors seeking compliance and clarity on crypto tax matters

ZebPay, India’s oldest and most trusted crypto asset exchange today announced that it has partnered with TaxNodes, an expert-assisted ITR filing platform to simplify tax filing for virtual digital assets in India. As a result of this association, TaxNodes will provide assistance to ZebPay's extensive user community to ensure precise tax calculations and compliance, to keep them updated with the most recent tax-related developments in the virtual digital asset industry.

In 2022, the Indian government implemented a tax on investments in virtual digital assets, whereby any income gained from the transfer of such assets is now subject to a 30% tax and 1% TDS. The complexity of the new tax laws has led to considerable confusion among Indian retail investors and traders in India. Owing to this, there is a critical need to establish appropriate compliance infrastructure and enhance investor knowledge on how to file taxes correctly. Through this partnership, TaxNodes will enable ZebPay users to calculate, evaluate, and file their crypto taxes, alleviate misapprehensions and reduce the possibility of tax miscalculation. In addition to this, TaxNodes’ end-to-end solutions will help users get the much-needed clarity on the taxes levied on their investment, thereby simplifying the taxation journey of every crypto investor in the country.

With India's optimistic outlook towards the crypto market, and the emergence of new taxation infrastructure, the country is poised to become a key player in the global crypto market. The association between ZebPay and TaxNodes will help promote awareness about current and evolving regulations governing virtual digital assets. Apart from getting expert assistance on tax filing, ZebPay users will also receive personalized advisory services by TaxNodes, enabling them to better understand the tax implications of their digital asset investments. In addition, ZebPay users will be able to take advantage of discounted services through an exclusive offer.

Rahul Pagidipati, CEO, ZebPay, said, "At ZebPay, we are committed to creating a regulatory-compliant ecosystem that fosters the mainstream adoption of crypto in India. This partnership is a significant step towards achieving that goal and enabling greater collaboration between stakeholders in the crypto ecosystem. With 30% taxation and 1% TDS, calculation of taxation on crypto has become a complex process. Our partnership with TaxNodes will not only simplify the tax filing process for virtual digital assets and offer clarity to our users, but also offer personalized tax advisory services to our users at their fingertips."

Avinash Shekhar, Founder & CEO, TaxNodes said, "Our relationship with ZebPay goes a long way back and this partnership is a new chapter in that journey. We are excited to offer our end-to-end solutions to ZebPay’s customers and are confident that they will see value in our seamless tax computation process. Our aim is to help investors calculate, evaluate, and file their crypto taxes accurately while providing them with expert advice and personalized services to trade crypto without worrying about the intricacies of tax filing."

About ZebPay:

ZebPay is India’s oldest crypto asset exchange, with more than 5 million users. Founded in 2014, ZebPay aims to be the leading blockchain asset solution provider and the #1 financial advisor for all Indians invested in the crypto space. The company’s mission is to help its members achieve financial freedom in the Web3 economy. ZebPay’s secure and compliant exchange is available via the web and on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. ZebPay also operates an exchange in Australia and Singapore, serving 162 countries. ZebPay members can invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other crypto assets, trading both crypto-fiat and crypto-crypto pairs. ZebPay OTC, a bespoke trading desk for high-volume clients, serves both individuals and institutions.

For more details please visit: https://zebpay.com/otc/

About TaxNodes: Founded in December 2022, TaxNodes is a tax computation and expert-assisted ITR filing platform that aims to simplify the tax computing process in India. The platform has a team of experts who are dedicated towards simplifying taxes particularly in the complex world of crypto taxes. The platform is also working towards helping crypto exchanges to increase their internal controls and automate reconciliation as well as accounting.,

Former ZebPay CEO Avinash Shekhar Launches His Own Startup ‘TaxNodes’ in the Crypto and Web3 Space

Avinash Shekhar’s startup TaxNodes will simplify crypto taxation in India and offer solutions to retail investors, crypto exchanges  and government Regulators. 

Seasoned finance executive Avinash Shekhar and former CEO of crypto exchange ZebPay, today announced the launch of his own Web3 startup 'TaxNodes’ with the mission to transform the way Crypto profitability, taxation and reporting is handled for retail investors as well as exchanges.

Avinash Shekhar is a veteran finance expert and a qualified chartered accountant with more than two decades of experience across Crypto, Telecom, Retail, and Ecommerce. He is the former CEO of ZebPay, India’s oldest and most widely-used crypto asset exchange. Having been a part of the Indian crypto industry since its nascent stages, he has been an early and ardent proponent of crypto regulation, both at home and abroad.

While tax compliance is crucial for the legitimacy and maturity of the crypto ecosystem, retail investors are facing challenges in computing crypto profits and taxation in the current environment. TaxNodes aims to simplify the tax computing process and access individual tax compliance. Additionally focusing to help crypto exchanges to increase their internal controls and automate reconciliation & accounting.

The platform will enable retail investors to automate crypto taxation by bringing all of their crypto transactions across multiple exchanges, P2P, private wallets and different blockchains under one roof. TaxNodes focuses on ensuring the completeness of data and its integrity through near real-time profit/loss computation, portfolio tracking, dashboards and analysis. The platform plans to offer tax planning and year-end tax reports through which users can file their returns. The company is working towards increasing internal controls and adherence to compliances related to taxation and regulations in the Crypto and Web 3 space.

Maintaining the quality of financial statements, audit, crypto reconciliations, protection of customer funds, compliance to KYC & AML, transparency in reporting can often become tedious and cumbersome for crypto exchanges. TaxNodes is addressing these challenges by providing solutions to exchanges around crypto reconciliation and automation of crypto accounting and integration with traditional accounting systems. Additionally, TaxNodes will help government regulators to increase the ability to ensure tax and other compliance from crypto users and exchanges by providing audit tools, thereby making the entire process efficient and seamless.

 

Avinash Shekhar, Founder & CEO, TaxNodes said, “I am really excited to embark on my entrepreneurial journey with the launch of TaxNodes. While the crypto industry has witnessed rapid growth in India, investors have been feeling overwhelmed due to lack of clarity on the taxes levied on their investments. A majority of them are facing challenges while calculating taxes on their investments. TaxNodes aims to address these challenges by identifying and offering end-to-end solutions to pain-points through comprehensive auditing tools to all stakeholders in the crypto ecosystem.”

TaxNodes is led by a strong team of professionals with deep domain knowledge and combined industry experience of over 40 years. The platform is building solutions for individuals as well as institutions by continuously syncing innovative chains, platforms, CEXs, coins, DeFi and asset classes that are emerging everyday.

About TaxNodes: Founded in December 2022, TaxNodes is a crypto tax platform that aims to simplify the tax computing process in India. The platform will access individual tax compliance to simplify crypto taxation for retail users. It will also help crypto exchanges to increase their internal controls and automate reconciliation as well as accounting.

Rahul Pagidipati Returns as CEO of ZebPay

Rahul Pagidipati, CEO, ZebPay

Avinash Shekhar, former CEO, will launch his own Web3 startup, wherein ZebPay will be an investor

Rahul will focus on ZebPay’s growth strategy as well as day-to-day operations

ZebPay, India’s oldest and most trusted crypto asset exchange, announced today that Rahul Pagidipati has been back in charge as the CEO of ZebPay effective December 1, 2022. Rahul will spearhead ZebPay’s operations and work with the current leadership team to grow current and new lines of business.

Rahul Pagidipati first became CEO of ZebPay in January 2020, when he acquired majority ownership from the three co-founders. In June 2021, ZebPay announced that Rahul Pagidipati and Avinash Shekhar would share responsibilities as co-CEOs, with Avinash focusing on increasing ZebPay’s market share in India as well as growing the company’s revenue, while Rahul led international growth and strategy. In December, Avinash took over as the CEO, while Rahul continued to support and guide him as chairman, with the in-house title of Un-CEO. The new title was designed to complement and empower Avinash and reflected the company’s long-term goal of becoming more like a DAO (decentralized autonomous organisation).

Also joining ZebPay’s active leadership will be Dr. Devaiah Pagidipati, current board member and founder of NAADAM (National Association for Advancement of Dalits, Adivasis, and Minorities). A successful serial entrepreneur and investor, Dr. Pagidipati will guide a new ZebPay unit focused on service to governments and NGOs.

Rahul has been investing in blockchain and digital currencies since 2011 and strongly believes that blockchain technology has the potential to transform the world across numerous industries and public services. As CEO, he plans to expand ZebPay’s business with innovative products and services tailored to retail and institutional customers, as well as government and nonprofits. ZebPay will continue to focus on investor education and creating a seamless user experience.

The former CEO, Avinash Shekhar, will embark on his entrepreneurial journey with the launch of his own venture in the Web3 space.

On his appointment as CEO, ZebPay, Rahul Pagidipati said, “I’m excited to be back as CEO of ZebPay. I never stopped being involved at the strategic level, but this year my focus has been on growth and investment opportunities. As I step back into daily operations, we will build new products and services focused on the specific needs of our different customer groups, whether they be individuals, institutions, or government”.

“That includes the needs of regulators, because even as we innovate, we remember that ZebPay has a unique legacy of trust. Most Indian crypto investors started at ZebPay. We’ve been keeping customers’ funds safe since 2014 and we’ve worked with law enforcement on numerous cases. We’ll continue to set the standard for trust and transparency so that black swan events do not impact ZebPay and its customers”.

“Avinash has been a great partner in building ZebPay’s India operations and has contributed significantly in strengthening ZebPay’s position as one of the leading crypto exchanges in India. We wholeheartedly support Avinash’s aspirations to become an entrepreneur and will be a stakeholder in his new venture as we believe in his vision”.

Avinash Shekhar, former CEO at ZebPay said, “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to lead ZebPay, a firm proud of its strong business and ethical values. Building ZebPay has been a wonderful and rewarding journey as I was able to closely witness India’s potential for the crypto and Web3 space. This, in fact, birthed the idea for my new venture. Rahul has always been my sounding board throughout my journey at ZebPay and has been nothing but supportive, when I expressed the desire to take the entrepreneurial route. I am confident that Rahul’s expertise and passion for the Web3 space will help ZebPay in reaching new heights”.

In addition to being the CEO of ZebPay, Rahul is also a Chief Investment Officer at Ayon Capital, where he guides research and strategy for Ayon’s blockchain investments, including ZebPay, Brave, and Ledger. Rahul has an JD/MBA from the Northwestern University School of Law and Kellogg School of Management.

About ZebPay

ZebPay is India’s most secure Bitcoin and crypto asset exchange, with more than 7 million users. Founded in 2014, ZebPay aims to be the leading blockchain asset solution provider and the #1 financial advisor for all Indians invested in the crypto space. The company’s mission is to help its members achieve financial freedom in the Web3 economy. ZebPay’s secure and compliant exchange is available via the web and on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. ZebPay also operates an exchange in Australia and Singapore, serving 162 countries. ZebPay members can invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other crypto assets, trading both crypto-fiat and crypto-crypto pairs. ZebPay OTC, a bespoke trading desk for high-volume clients, serves both individuals and institutions.

ZebPay Appoints Tarun Jain as Chief Financial Officer

Tarun will be responsible for shaping the strategic and long-term financial direction of the company

ZebPay, India’s most trusted and oldest crypto asset exchange, has announced the appointment of Tarun Jain as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Tarun will shape the strategic and long-term financial direction of ZebPay’s business. He will work closely with the organization’s leadership team to scale the organization and its systems for the next phase of growth.

With more than 17 years of experience as a chartered accountant with various startups and MNCs, Tarun possesses strong expertise in financial management, investor relations, fundraising, strategic planning, commercial negotiation, and risk management. Before joining ZebPay, Tarun was working as the CFO for Lithium Urban Technologies, after having succeeded in several leadership positions in organizations such as Zoomcar, Herman Miller, and Warner Bros.

With this latest appointment, ZebPay bolsters its leadership team to further strengthen its capabilities and value offerings. Some of the key focus areas for Tarun include planning, implementing, and managing all financial activities of the company. In addition to business planning, he will also be responsible for budgeting, forecasting, and leading strategic business negotiations.

On this appointment, Mr. Avinash Shekhar, Co-CEO, ZebPay, said, “We welcome Tarun to the ZebPay Ohana (family). We have been working very hard to democratise crypto assets and with Tarun on-board, we are spearheading the growth journey. Tarun’s varied experience in different sectors brings the resilience and acumen needed to help ZebPay reach the last mile of India and make crypto assets a common name in the households. We are looking forward to this change.”

Tarun Jain, CFO, ZebPay, said, “I am excited to begin this journey with ZebPay, a leading player in the emerging Indian crypto industry. I’m looking forward to supporting the development of ZebPay’s business and its suite of industry-first products for crypto investors in India. ZebPay is on a path to becoming the foremost crypto player in India and I’m glad to be leading the financial and strategic direction.”

ZebPay offers a one-stop shop for all crypto solutions for an investor with their products Lend, Earn, and ZEBB (SIP for crypto) along with the OTC desk for HNI investors.

About ZebPay

ZebPay is India’s most secure crypto asset exchange. Founded in 2014, ZebPay's mission is to make Bitcoin accessible to Indians using its highly secure and compliant exchange, available via web and on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. ZebPay also operates an exchange in Australia and Singapore, serving 162 countries globally. ZebPay members can invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other crypto assets, trading both crypto-fiat and crypto-crypto pairs. ZebPay OTC, a bespoke trading desk for high-volume clients, serves both individuals and institutions.

ZebPay Introduces India’s 1st Global Crypto Electronic OTC Desk for HNIs and Institutional Investors

Offers cost-effective one-click execution of large crypto trade orders instantly

ZebPay, India's most secure and most trusted crypto asset exchange, has launched India's first global Electronic Over-The-Counter (OTC) Desk for large volume traders and institutional investors globally. Targeted at HNIs, trading firms, and corporates, the ZebPay Electronic OTC Desk offers cost-effective one-click execution of large crypto trade orders instantly at tight spreads with zero fees and minimal slippage. Access is available via API integration or through an easy-to-use trading interface that enables automated trading facilities for all users.

With the OTC Desk, ZebPay is addressing the liquidity crunch in crypto assets as it gives access to 24/7 deep liquidity to a range of cryptocurrencies and best-in-class price execution across multiple trade pairs. It also supports all clients with access to a credit line for 24-hours post-trade settlement with minimum collateral needs. There are multiple order types such as Immediate-Or-Cancel (IOC), Time Weighted Average Price (TWAP) to optimize trading experience as per their tailored needs. The Electronic OTC Desk also offers sophisticated APIs for automated trading which suit the needs of trading firms, quant funds, institutions, brokers, corporates, and algorithmic traders. It currently supports multiple fiat currencies and stable coins for global clients such as US Dollar (USD), British Pound (GBP), Euro (EUR), Singapore Dollar (SGD), Dirham (AED), Australian Dollar (AUD), Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC) and DAI.

All users including the HNIs, trading firms, corporates, and institutions will enjoy bespoke services such as in-depth research, analysis, and 24/7 white-glove service.

Avinash Shekhar, Co-CEO, ZebPay, said, "ZebPay aims to create a robust crypto ecosystem and a multi-faceted business where the needs of both the retail and institutional investors are met seamlessly. With ZebPay OTC Desk, we are addressing the growing institutional interest in crypto globally and in India. Like other ZebPay products, the OTC Desk also provides a simplified and optimised trading experience coupled with personalised assistance, but specifically for larger volume traders. This will further encourage adoption of crypto in the country and help create a mark for India as a major player in this emerging space."

Nirmal Ranga, Chief Revenue Officer, said, "Ever since its inception, ZebPay has been innovating to become a one-stop-shop to invest in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies without any boundaries. With the launch of India's first crypto OTC Desk, ZebPay aims to provide guidance, assistance, and convenience to HNIs and institutional investors for trading in crypto assets. The product will eliminate the struggle of finding deep liquidity and enable the instant execution of large crypto trade orders. Given ZebPay's experience handling crypto assets worth billions since 2012, the OTC Desk offers a trusted and secure trading platform. We are confident that ZebPay OTC Desk will become the go-to for large crypto volumes as it offers a variety of benefits of quick settlements, convenience, flexibility, and personalised assistance, all on one platform."

ZebPay is addressing the whole value chain of an investor's cryptocurrency needs and now offers industry-leading features such as earn and lend on their mobile apps, ZEBB (SIP for BTC/ETH), and on the new OTC desk.

About ZebPay

ZebPay is India's most secure Bitcoin and crypto asset exchange, with over 4 million users and over $1 billion in monthly transaction volumes. Founded in 2014, ZebPay's mission is to make Bitcoin accessible using its highly secure and compliant exchange, available via the web and on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. ZebPay also operates an exchange in Australia and Singapore, serving 162 countries globally. ZebPay members can invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other crypto assets, trading both crypto-fiat and crypto-crypto pairs. ZebPay OTC, a bespoke trading desk for high-volume clients, serves both individuals and institutions. For more details please visit: https://zebpay.com/otc/

ZebPay Appoints Avinash Shekhar, former COO, as Co-CEO of ZebPay

Avinash to accelerate growth in India & further ZebPay's mission of bringing crypto and blockchain to all Indians

Mumbai, June 02, 2021: ZebPay, India’s oldest and most widely-used Bitcoin and crypto asset exchange, today announced the appointment of Avinash Shekhar as its Co-Chief Executive Officer. The Co-CEO title will be shared with Rahul Pagidipati. While Avinash will be responsible for day-to-day operations and growth in India, Rahul will be responsible for international growth and investments.

Avinash Shekhar

Avinash Shekhar, in his earlier role as Chief Financial Officer and then Chief Operating Officer, drove the trade, finance, strategy, audit, and operations verticals. Avinash is a seasoned chartered accountant with more than two decades of experience and has been a part of the Indian crypto industry since its nascent stages. He has been an early and ardent proponent of crypto regulation, both at home and abroad. 

Avinash’s primary focus will be to increase the company’s market share in India and focus on growing revenue rapidly in an ever-expanding crypto market.

On the appointment of Avinash, Rahul Pagidipati, Co-CEO of ZebPay, said --

Avinash has been a key member of ZebPay’s relaunch in 2020, and has helped to build the Indian business and team. He has contributed to our exponential growth over the past year through his ability to strategise and execute rigorously. He is an accomplished leader and I take this opportunity to congratulate him on his appointment. Together, I am confident that we will take ZebPay to greater heights and become the #1 crypto asset exchange in India.

On this occasion, Avinash Shekhar, the newly appointed Co-CEO, ZebPay, said

I am grateful and delighted to have this opportunity to lead ZebPay at such a crucial time for the crypto industry. We are already one of the leading crypto asset exchanges in India and my objective is to make ZebPay the foremost crypto player in the country. The past year has been a rewarding one where we have witnessed phenomenal growth primarily owing to robust strategy, customer experience, innovative technology and organizational culture. I look forward to building on this foundation and potential for crypto assets in India.

About ZebPay

ZebPay is India’s oldest and most widely-used Bitcoin and crypto asset exchange, with over 4 million users and over $1 Billion in monthly transaction volumes. Founded in 2014, ZebPay's mission is to make Bitcoin accessible to Indians using its highly secure and compliant exchange, available via web and on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. 

ZebPay also operates an exchange in Australia and Singapore, serving 162 countries globally. ZebPay members can invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other crypto assets, trading both crypto-fiat and crypto-crypto pairs. ZebPay OTC, a bespoke trading desk for high-volume clients, serves both individuals and institutions.

ZebPay to Launch India’s 1st Non-Fungible Crypto Token and Marketplace

Rahul Pagidipati, CEO - ZebPay

ZebPay, India's oldest and most widely-used Bitcoin and crypto asset exchange, at its quarterly board meeting announced its plan to launch a non-fungible token (NFT), becoming the first Indian company to do so. ZebPay's NFT has been named 'Dazzle' (the name for a herd of zebras).

A non-fungible token (NFT) is a cryptographic token that represents something unique and has an individual characteristics that set them apart. Hence, non-fungible tokens are not mutually interchangeable. Owning a NFT is like owning a one-of-a-kind work of art or a collectible antique.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Rahul Pagidipati, CEO at ZebPay said, "We have announced project Dazzle, which will generate non-fungible tokens, one-of-a-kind digital collectibles. These will be given out to members through various programs. The difference between a conventional (fungible) crypto token like Bitcoin, Ether, or Ripple and non-fungible tokens is its rarity and uniqueness. It can grow in value not just because demand for it grows, but also because it can acquire new properties and benefits over time. Investors can either hold their NFTs or sell them."

"This year, the global NFT market hit $100 million in total value and is expected to grow exponentially. It is being compared to the time when Bitcoin first reached the $100 million milestone and then exploded." Mr. Pagidipati added further.

The interest in digital art (or digital certifications of ownership and provenance of physical art) is growing tremendously. Like other NFTs including the famous CryptoKitties, each Dazzle token will have unique properties. It will also confer rewards to the owner, such as lower fees on the ZebPay exchange as well as discounts from partners such as e-commerce retailers, streaming services, food deliveries, etc. Since they are based on smart contracts built on the Ethereum network, Dazzle NFTs will gain new powers over time, giving the owner even more membership benefits. It will also be possible to generate new tokens from pairs of existing ones.

As a new asset type which can benefit investors, artists, gamers, collectors, and creators of any unique and valuable digital content, NFTs like ZebPay's Dazzle represent a new opportunity for innovation. Even NBA basketball is issuing NFTs to fans which contain video clips and other unique content about their favorite players and teams.

About ZebPay:

ZebPay is India's oldest and most widely-used Bitcoin and crypto asset exchange, with over 3 million users and $3 billion worth of transactions. Founded in 2014, ZebPay made Bitcoin accessible to Indians with an easy-to-use app on a highly secure exchange. A recent survey found that two thirds of all Indian crypto investors bought their first bitcoin on ZebPay. Beyond India, ZebPay operates an exchange in Australia and a global online exchange based in Singapore, serving 162 countries. ZebPay members can invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other crypto assets, trading both crypto-fiat and crypto-crypto pairs. ZebPay is designed for long-term value investors as well as short-term traders, with a curated list of quality crypto assets. ZebPay OTC, a bespoke trading desk for high-volume clients ($50,000 minimum trade) serves both individuals and institutions.

 

Post Shutting Down India Op, Zebpay Reportedly to Launch Operations in 20 Countries

India's cryptocurrency exchange Zebpay, which shut its shops late last month, is going global as it sets up two companies -- one in Singapore and another in Malta -- to operate Zebpay exchange services in 20 countries, reported Bitcoin.com, citing a tweet by Indiabits, a community of blockchain enthusiasts.

🦓 @Zebpay is not shutting down, it is setting up for global domination 🇪🇺🇲🇹🇸🇬🇮🇳

CC @mahingupta @AjeetK @GoenkaSandeep pic.twitter.com/ZPkoyQWDmD

— IndiaBits (@indiabits21) October 12, 2018

With these newly incorporated entities, Zebpay will provide cryptocurrency exchange and OTC services to 20 countries in Europe.

Although Zebpay hasn't made any announcement yet however the website of Zebpay stating & mentioning the two newly formed companies does clarify that the company is still in the race and hasn't given up yet.

Moreover, on Zebpay website's 'Terms of Use' page, Zebpay described a Malta-registered entity called Awlencan Innovations Malta Ltd, which was established on 17 September.

Zebpay wrote - Awlencan Innovations Malta Limited (C-88318), a Maltese registered company with office address situated at: 48, Triq Stella Maris, Sliema, SLM 1765, Malta, which owns and operates the ‘Zebpay’ VFA [virtual financial assets] exchange platform in Malta.

According the website page, Zebpay will offers its services to these 20 countries -- Malta, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, and Sweden.

On its Global Legal page, under Terms of Use, Zebpay wrote, “Zebpay shall mean and include... Awlencan Innovations Pte. Ltd. incorporated in Singapore.”

Awlencan Innovations Pte. Ltd. is a Singapore-based blockchain technology company established in May, soon after the RBI issued its circular in April which banned financial institutions under its control from providing services to crypto businesses.

Notably, Awlencan Innovations India Ltd. was registered on Sept. 28, the day Zebpay suspended its exchange activities. According to reports, there are 3 directors listed for this company. One is Kailash Atmaram Singhal who is also listed as a director of Zeb It Service Ltd., which operated the Zebpay exchange in India.

India's 1st Bitcoin Company Shuts Down Amid RBI's Crypto Ban

It all started in late 2012 when Mahin Gupta started India's first Bitcoin exchange, buysellbitco.in, and made it most trusted and used exchange in India pioneering online purchase of Bitcoin in the country and voted as best new bitcoin company at CoinAgenda conference in Las Vegas in 2014. Later in September 2014, Buysellbitco.inwas was rebranded to Zebpay -- a bitcoin wallet. In 2016, the company announced that it had crossed a whopping ₹100 crore (~$15 Million) turnover milestone.

Everything was going well with Zebpay, one of the first to usher buying Bitcoins in India, until one silly day India's central bank Reserve Bank of India (RBI) banned banks from servicing crypto exchanges/wallets.

Despite the ban, Zebpay has survived and was up and running by introducing Crypto-to-Crypto trading but all gone in vain as on Friday, the crypto exchange Zebpay announced that it is shutting down after the long fight the exchange has given to prejudiced and pessimism about cryptocurrencies in India.

In its official blog post, ZebPay officially announced that it was forced to stop activity due to legal and regulatory obstacles.

"Despite regulatory and banking problems along our journey, we continued to look for solutions as we did not want India to miss the bus of digital assets that power the public blockchain," said the blog post of Zebpay.

[caption id="attachment_126431" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Zebpay Co-founders (From Left ) Sandeep Goenka, Mahin Gupta and Saurabh Agrawal [Image ForbesIndia.com, Mexy Xavier][/caption]

It further said, "At this point, we are unable to find a reasonable way to conduct the cryptocurrency exchange business. As a result, we are stopping our exchange activities. At 4 p.m. today (28 September 2018), we will cancel all unexecuted crypto-to-crypto orders and credit your coins / tokens back to your Zebpay wallet. No new orders will be accepted until further notice.”

In a statement to Crypto-News India, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zebpay Ajeet Khurana, said "The Indian environment is highly non-conducive to the crypto business. Our revenue model is only through transaction fees. So by shutting the exchange, we have effectively made our revenue zero. Naturally no company would want to do that if it has a choice.”

Notably in February 2017, Zebpay along with other bitcoin startups in India -- Unocoin, Coinsecure and Searchtrade, jointly launched Digital Asset and Blockchain Foundation of India (DABFI) for the orderly and transparent growth of virtual currency market. It however didn't resulted into anything fruitful and nothing substantial happened in DABFI apart from the fact that in November 2017 the self-regulatory body eventually merged with the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), the internet industry body. The new merged entity is called as 'IAMAI FinTech Council' however even after this no new development has been heard since then.

Ironically, in January this year, a nationwide survey revealed that people in India have invested in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies worth whopping $3.5 billion. Seeing this, income tax (I-T) department had even sent notices to tens of thousands of such people who have done trading in any of the cryptocurrencies.

Zebpay’s might have lost its fight, but still there are quite a few Indian cryptocurrency exchanges up and running work without interruption and seek new solutions such as Peer-to-Peer transactions. These companies include WazirX, Koinex, LocalBitcoins, Unocoin, and many others.

Zebpay Almost Bypass RBI's Crypto Ban By Launching Crypto-to-Crypto Trading

​Zebpay, an India's leading cryptocurrency exchange, has launched crypto-to-crypto trading on its platform. The launch came within few weeks after the Reserve Bank of India banning banks from servicing crypto exchanges.

Crypto-to-Crypto trading means that one can exchange one cryptocurrency for another. For an instance, one can easily exchange cryptocurrency Ripple in exchange of Bitcoin.

In its first crypto-to-crypto trading pair, Zebpay launched ETH/BTC pair and will launch more crypto pairs in coming weeks.

Zebpay, in its official blog's post, announced that, " Zebpay is excited to announce the launch of crypto-to-crypto trading. Now, you can easily exchange one cryptocurrency for another…The first pair we’re introducing is ETH/BTC. More crypto pairs coming soon."

The “crypto-to-crypto trading feature will be available in the new app update: Android version 2.0.14 and iOS version 2.0.24,” said Zebpay in its blog post. However, instead of INR this fee will charged in Bitcoins, bypassing the RBI virtual ban on cryptocurrencies under which the central bank bans banks and financial institutions under its control from providing services to cryptocurrency exchanges.

Zebpay has made this move in order to keep customer funds and assets secure as the sudden disruption in banking services due to RBI ban could affect company's ability to service deposits and withdrawals, until banking services are restored. Zebpay also warned its user to keep this risk factor in mind while making investment decisions. Meanwhile, Zebpay is exploring various other options to bypass the RBI mandate on virtually banning cryptocurrency trading in India almost impossible through exchanges like Zebpay

Established in 2015 and headquartered in Mumbai, Zebpay claims to be India’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. In March, the company said that its app had more than three million downloads, making it the most downloaded cryptocurrency app on both iOS and Android in India. Zebpay has recently celebrated its 3 million-th app download.

According to Zebpay, while it is estimated that 10 million Indians are investing in financial markets, 5 million Indians are said to be trading cryptocurrencies. “This translates to a market penetration of 60% for Zebpay with its 3 million downloads,” the company emphasized.

To recall, in January, a nationwide survey in India has revealed that in last 17 months of period, people in the country have invested in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies worth whopping US$3.5 billion.

Also, despite of all this ban and blocking of crypto currencies in India, a blockchain startup of Indonesian-origin called Pundi X announced in January that it is preparing to launch point-of-sale network in India so that people in India can buy and invest in cryptocurrencies not just only online but offline as well.

Bitcoin is Legal Under All Existing Laws of India, Says Zebpay

Leading Indian bitcoin startup Zebpay has issued an official statement falsifying recent reports that suggested that bitcoin has been declared illegal by the Indian government.

"Nothing has changed regarding bitcoin’s legal status in India this week. In our opinion, bitcoin is not illegal. Bitcoin is legal under all existing laws. It’s business as usual at all Indian bitcoin exchanges, including Zebpay.", said an official blog post by Zebpay.

Zebpay said that certain sections of the media including a yesterday's report by The Economics Times said that bitcoin has been declared illegal and can attract anti-money laundering law.

Notably, this hoax news spread when a member of parliament (MP) raised the issue that bitcoin is a ponzi scheme. The company went on to explain that bitcoin is not a ponzi scheme, saying:

There are a few ponzi schemes which use bitcoin as the payment method. Just like Rupee is not a ponzi, neither is bitcoin. In fact for a few months now, we have been regularly warning our users to beware of such ponzi schemes on our website, Facebook and Twitter accounts.

However, last month RBI did issued a statement where it cautioned users, holders and traders of virtual currency, including Bitcoin, about the potential financial, legal and security risks arising from the usage.

According to India Today, the user base of Bitcoin in India has expanded 250 percent since November 2016, when demonetization happened.

[Top Image - Shutterstock]