India Gets Its Ist AI-Powered Crypto Trading Co-Pilot with WazirX

The agent follows an ‘Ask-Understand-Decide’ model to call market-data, technical-analysis, portfolio and order-management into one seamless conversation, helping users evaluate opportunities significantly faster compared to manual evaluations

WazirX today announced the launch of WazirX AI, an intelligent trading assistant designed to help users research crypto markets, understand their portfolios and act on trading opportunities in real time without moving between charts, news feeds, signal groups and trading screens.

The agent is integrated into the WazirX app and website, and users can ask questions, receive researched insights with supporting charts, and approve real trades instantly, all from one unified interface. Before users trade, WazirX AI shows them their live portfolio update. It then uses their risk preferences to recommend the right position size.

Crypto markets operate 24/7, but traders should not have to spend their day moving between charts, news feeds and trading screens,” said Nischal Shetty, founder, WazirX.
“WazirX AI combines market research, portfolio monitoring and trade preparation into one conversation, reducing the time and effort required to evaluate an opportunity and act on it. The AI streamlines the workflow, and enables a faster and easier decision making process.

How it works

• Ask-Understand-Decide model: Coordinates market-data, technical-analysis, portfolio and order-management across a multi-step request.
• Conversational market research: Users can ask about live prices, market news and macroeconomic developments. The co-pilot responds with summaries and charts.
• Portfolio briefings: Live overview of account balances, portfolio value, profit/loss, open positions. Can also be requested as a daily morning brief.
• Trade execution in chat: Orders placed directly within conversation. Approval cards show proposed trades sized to user’s risk settings.
• AI-powered alerts: Users can set monitoring instructions like “Tell me if BTC breaks key support.” Notifications are sent when conditions are met.

A user can ask WazirX AI to screen INR futures for four-hour momentum, retain opportunities meeting a specified risk-reward threshold, validate the shortlist across multiple timeframes and prepare an order showing entry price, leverage, margin, stop-loss, take-profit and estimated loss. The assistant can then prepare an order displaying all these details within the same conversation.

Before placing a trade, traders can spend hours gathering market context, poring over charts, analysing technical indicators, identifying patterns and trends, and working out entry, exit and risk levels. With WazirX AI, that entire process is transitioned into one conversational experience, helping users access relevant insights and complete their analysis in under 10 minutes. The co-pilot continues watching user-defined market conditions and only sends a notification when those conditions require attention.

Paper Trading Sandbox: To democratize access, WazirX is launching a sandbox where every user begins with a simulated US$100,000 balance. This allows exploration of the research-to-trade workflow, testing strategies, and building confidence before using real funds.

Product Specifications and Access

• Spot and futures trading: Supported with instant, real-time price updates.
• Order types: Limit and market orders, short setups, maximum pair-specific leverage.
• Data: Uses live WazirX price data with instant refresh rates.
• Platforms: Rolled out across Android, iOS, and Web.
• Sandbox: $100K paper trading sandbox open to all users.

About WazirX

WazirX is a leading Indian cryptocurrency exchange established in 2018, offering INR-based access to crypto through spot and perpetual futures markets. Users can buy and sell crypto in spot markets and trade INR-settled perpetual futures with features such as leverage, stop-loss and take-profit orders. WazirX supports INR deposits and withdrawals through verified bank accounts and is available on web, Android and iOS. The platform is registered as a Reporting Entity with the Financial Intelligence Unit, India (FIU-IND) and follows KYC and AML processes.

For more information, visit www.wazirx.com

India’s ED Seizes $900K in Assets from Iceland‑Registered Bitcoin Fraud, Exposing $24M Crypto Laundering Trail

India's law enforcement and economic intelligence agency, Enforcement Directorate (ED), in Dehradun has provisionally attached assets worth ₹8.54 crore (Nearly US$ 900,000) belonging to Hemant Ishwar Sharma, accused of running a fraudulent Bitcoin investment scheme through his Iceland-registered website BTCFUND.IS. The scam defrauded investors of nearly ₹200 crore between 2014–2018.

BTCFUND.IS was an Iceland‑registered website operated by Hemant Ishwar Sharma between 2014–2018, used to lure Indian investors into a fraudulent Bitcoin investment scheme that defrauded them of nearly ₹200 crore (~856 BTC). The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has since attached assets worth ₹13.10 crore and arrested Sharma.

ED’s action under PMLA signals growing scrutiny of crypto fraud in India.

ED Attaches Assets in Bitcoin Scam

Key Details of the Case

• Scam Operator: Hemant Ishwar Sharma
• Fraudulent Platform: BTCFUND.IS (registered in Iceland)
• Period of Operation: 2014–2018
• Amount Defrauded: ~₹200 crore (856.23 BTC identified as proceeds of crime)
• Assets Attached (Latest Order): ₹8.54 crore (real estate, vehicles, luxury properties)
• Total Assets Attached So Far: ~₹13.10 crore
• Lifestyle Funded by Scam: Two BMW cars, a bungalow on Rajpur Road (Dehradun), multiple immovable properties
• Current Status: Sharma is under arrest and lodged in Siddhowala Prison, Dehradun. Prosecution complaint filed in May 2026, cognizance taken in July 2026

How the Scam Worked

• False Promises: Investors were lured with promises of high returns on Bitcoin investments
• Credibility Tactics: Sharma falsely claimed foreign nationals were associated with BTCFUND.IS to project legitimacy
• Abrupt Exit: After collecting substantial funds, the website was shut down, leaving investors helpless
• Money Laundering: Proceeds were laundered via crypto exchanges into real estate, vehicles, and luxury renovations

Broader Context

• Crypto Fraud Risks in India: This case highlights the growing danger of unregistered crypto platforms promising unrealistic returns
• Legal Action: ED’s use of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 shows increasing regulatory scrutiny on crypto-linked fraud
• Investor Warning: Authorities urge caution against schemes that lack regulatory oversight or promise guaranteed profits

Visual Overview

Scam Operator	Fraudulent Website	Assets Attached	Crypto Laundering
Hemant Ishwar Sharma	BTCFUND.IS (Iceland-registered)	₹8.54 crore (latest), ₹13.10 crore total	856.23 BTC (~₹200 crore)

WazirX Launches Free Crypto Tax Report Generator tool

• Taxlyst allows users to upload transactions from any crypto exchange, making it useful not only for WazirX users but for any Indian crypto investor

As tax filing deadline approaches, WazirX has launched Taxlyst, a free crypto tax reporting platform designed to simplify one of the most time-consuming aspects of crypto investing - calculating taxes accurately.

Preparing crypto tax reports manually can be challenging, particularly for investors who trade across multiple exchanges and execute multiple transactions throughout the year. Even a small calculation error or missing transaction can lead to incorrect reporting, making tax filing more stressful than it needs to be. With Taxlyst, WazirX aims to remove the operational burden of crypto tax calculations by offering a free, exchange-agnostic reporting platform that helps investors generate accurate, structured reports with significantly less effort.

Users simply download their transaction history from their exchange, upload the file to Taxlyst, enter basic details and generate a comprehensive tax report within minutes.

The platform automatically analyses trading activity and generates a detailed tax dashboard that includes VDA gains and losses, estimated tax liability on reported VDA income, futures profit and loss, exchange-wise transaction summaries and Schedule VDA-ready reports. For spot transactions, Taxlyst applies the FIFO (First In, First Out) methodology to match acquisitions with subsequent disposals, helping users prepare calculations aligned with India's crypto tax reporting requirements.

Beyond the summary dashboard, Taxlyst enables users to download multiple reports based on their filing requirements. These include a comprehensive PDF tax report, a Schedule VDA CSV formatted for Indian Income Tax Return filings, a complete transaction history containing trading pairs, prices, fees and TDS deductions, a USDT-INR conversion rate report used during calculations, and a detailed Futures P&L report with realised gains, losses and trading fees.

Commenting on the launch, Nischal Shetty, Founder, WazirX, said: "Many investors still spend hours manually reconciling trades across different exchanges, and even small calculation mistakes can create unnecessary stress during tax filing. We built Taxlyst to simplify this entire process. Whether someone trades on WazirX or elsewhere, they should be able to upload their transaction history and receive a structured, tax-ready report within minutes."

BWA Chairperson Dilip Chenoy added, "As digital assets become a part of more investment portfolios, tax compliance is becoming equally important. Investors should maintain accurate records of their transactions and ensure they file complete and correct tax returns. Simplifying the reporting process can go a long way in encouraging voluntary compliance and strengthening confidence in India's digital asset ecosystem."

For Indian crypto investors preparing to file taxes this year, Taxlyst offers a faster, simpler and more organised alternative to manual calculations, regardless of where they trade.

India’s Biggest Crypto Scam: SC Seeks SIT Probe into GainBitcoin Fraud

The GainBitcoin scam was one of India’s largest crypto frauds, defrauding over 100,000 investors of an estimated ₹20,000 crore (around $2.1 billion) between 2015 and 2018 through a Ponzi-style scheme promising 10% monthly returns on Bitcoin investments.

On July 14, 2026, the Supreme Court of India issued notice to the Central Government seeking its response to a plea demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into all FIRs related to the GainBitcoin scam, which allegedly siphoned off over two lakh Bitcoins from more than one lakh investors.

Key Details of the Supreme Court’s Action

• Bench Composition: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana
• Petitioners: Seven founding members of the Bitcoin Investors Protection Society (BIPS), led by Gautam Mahendrakumar Chordia
• Core Allegation: Investors were promised assured monthly returns through cloud-mining operations, but assets were diverted into proxy wallets, foreign accounts, and crypto exchanges
• Scale of Fraud: Over two lakh Bitcoins siphoned; more than one lakh investors affected nationwide
• FIRs Registered: More than 35 FIRs across India over the past decade

Petitioners’ Demands

• Unified SIT Probe: Headed by a retired High Court judge
• Composition: Senior officers from CBI, ED, MeitY nominee, and blockchain forensic experts
• Scope: Investigate all FIRs linked to GainBitcoin, Variable Tech, and GB Miners scams
• Mandate: Trace, freeze, and recover cryptocurrencies; investigate shell entities and proxy accounts; submit periodic reports to the Supreme Court

Context & Background

• December 2023: Supreme Court transferred GainBitcoin cases to CBI for consolidation
• CBI Action: Merged only 10 FIRs, leaving others unresolved
• Jurisdictional Vacuum: State police slowed investigations assuming CBI had full control

Challenges

• Absconding Accused: Key accused remain at large
• Fragmented Investigations: Poor coordination across states
• Blockchain Tracing: Complex proxy wallets and foreign accounts hinder recovery

At a Glance: GainBitcoin Scam SIT Plea

Aspect	Details
Date of SC Notice	July 14, 2026
Bench	CJI Surya Kant, Justices Bagchi & Mohana
Petitioners	Bitcoin Investors Protection Society (BIPS)
Victims Represented	273 identified; >1 lakh affected
Scale of Scam	>2 lakh Bitcoins siphoned
FIRs Registered	35+ across India
Proposed SIT	Retired HC judge + CBI, ED, MeitY nominee, blockchain experts
Previous SC Order	Dec 13, 2023 – CBI consolidation of FIRs

India’s $340B Crypto Surge Equals 9% of GDP

India saw crypto inflows worth nearly $340 billion between June 2024 and June 2025 — equal to about 9% of its GDP — making it Asia’s largest market by absolute inflows despite heavy taxation and regulatory uncertainty.

The $340 billion crypto inflows figure for India in 2025 comes from the OECD’s Asia Capital Markets Report 2026, which uses Chainalysis blockchain analytics data. Importantly, these “inflows” measure crypto received by addresses geolocated to India — they reflect transaction activity by Indian users, not actual cross‑border capital flows.

Key Highlights from OECD Report

• Total inflows: ~$340 billion in crypto assets (including stablecoins).
• GDP share: ~9% of India’s nominal GDP (~$4.15 trillion in 2025).
• Regional ranking: India led Asia in absolute inflows, followed by South Korea.
• Relative scale: Vietnam topped in GDP share (~50%), Cambodia (~28%), Pakistan (~26%).
• User base: Over 107 million Indian crypto users, despite no dedicated crypto law.

Regulatory & Tax Context

• Taxation: 30% tax on income from virtual digital assets; 1% TDS on most transactions.
• Regulatory status: No formal crypto legislation yet; Parliament scheduled discussions with RBI on July 2, 2026.
• OECD warning: Lack of clear rules poses macroeconomic risks and complicates compliance with FATF and G20 frameworks.

What “Inflows” Really Mean

• The $340B figure comes from Chainalysis inflows methodology.
• Tracks crypto received by blockchain addresses geolocated to India.
• Includes domestic trading, wallet transfers, payments, and DeFi activity.
• Note: Not balance-of-payments data — does not prove foreign capital entered India.

Comparative Snapshot

Country	Crypto inflows (2024–25)	Share of GDP
India	$340B	~9%
South Korea	Lower than India	~6–7% (est.)
Vietnam	Smaller absolute inflows	~50%
Cambodia	Smaller absolute inflows	~28%
Pakistan	Smaller absolute inflows	~26%

Risks & Implications

• Macroeconomic risk: Crypto inflows equal to bond market size — potential systemic exposure.
• Investor burden: High taxes + unclear rules discourage formal adoption.
• Policy gap: India’s leadership in inflows contrasts with lack of dedicated crypto law, raising concerns about investor protection and systemic risk.

The OECD’s finding highlights India’s massive crypto transaction volume, but it should not be mistaken for foreign capital inflows. It reflects domestic user activity and underscores the urgent need for regulatory clarity to manage risks, ensure investor protection, and align with frameworks like FATF and G20.

India Seizes $104M in Hidden Crypto Gains Through Automated Tax Crackdown

India’s tax authority has uncovered $104 million (₹888.82 crore) in undisclosed cryptocurrency gains, issuing over 44,000 tax notices through automated enforcement systems that cross-reference exchange data with tax filings. This marks the country’s largest crypto tax crackdown to date.

Automated enforcement in taxation refers to system‑driven, AI‑powered mechanisms that automatically detect, flag, and penalize non‑compliance by cross‑checking taxpayer data with digital records, reducing human discretion and speeding up compliance actions.

The tax authority involved in this crypto enforcement action is the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), which operates under India’s Ministry of Finance and is responsible for data-driven enforcement through programs like NUDGE, which flagged undisclosed crypto gains.

Key Facts

• Amount seized: $104 million (₹888.82 crore) in hidden crypto income
• Notices issued: 44,000 tax notices to individuals and entities
• Authority involved: Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
• Mechanism: Automated enforcement via the NUDGE program
• Tax regime: 30% flat tax on crypto gains + 1% TDS since 2022

How Automated Enforcement Works

• Exchange data pipelines: Every crypto trade generates a TDS trail
• Cross-referencing: Authorities compare exchange records with ITRs
• AIS: Consolidated view of taxpayer activity including crypto trades
• Reassessment notices: Issued under Section 148A for FY 2021–22

Impact on Indian Crypto Investors

Requirement	Details
Tax rate	30% flat on gains, no loss set-offs allowed
TDS	1% on every crypto transfer
Reporting	Mandatory disclosure of VDA holdings and gains
Penalties	Non-compliance triggers notices, reassessment, fines

Global Context

• India’s model: Regulation through taxation and reporting, not prohibition
• United States: SEC-approved crypto investment products increase reporting obligations
• Trend: Governments worldwide tightening crypto tax compliance frameworks

Risks & Compliance Tips

• Risk of reassessment: Authorities reviewing past years, not just current filings
• Money laundering probes: Enforcement Directorate attached ₹4,189.89 crore in VDA-linked proceeds
• Actionable steps:
  • Ensure accurate reporting of all crypto gains
  • Keep wallet and exchange records reconciled with tax filings
  • Consult a tax advisor for compliance with evolving rules

Bitget Recovers Over $32 Million in User Funds Amid Global Anti-Scam Drive

Bitget, the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has launched Anti-Scam Month 2026 under the theme "More Assets, Stronger Shield. Stay Safe in the Multi-Asset Era." The annual initiative focuses on helping users navigate an increasingly complex threat landscape as digital asset platforms expand beyond crypto into broader multi-asset ecosystems.

The campaign is accompanied by the release of key security and fraud prevention results from 2025. During the year, Bitget intercepted more than 150 million malicious attack requests, identified over 13,000 high-risk malicious IP addresses, and handled 18,135 user protection cases. The platform's security team also helped users recover approximately $32.3 million linked to security incidents and fraudulent activity.

“The industry is entering a multi-asset era where users can access a wider range of products and markets through a single platform. As that access expands, security responsibilities increase too,” said Hon Ng, Chief Legal Officer at Bitget. “Protecting users requires continuous risk monitoring, rapid response mechanisms, security education, and close cooperation across the industry. Anti-Scam Month reflects the importance of building those protections alongside product innovation.”

Throughout 2025, Bitget continued to strengthen its security framework across account protection, asset custody, fraud prevention, and platform risk management. The platform expanded Passkey authentication capabilities based on FIDO2 and WebAuthn standards, enhanced multi-factor authentication coverage for high-risk account actions, strengthened anti-phishing protections, and improved device management controls that allow users to monitor and manage account access in real time.

Bitget also expanded its real-time threat detection and web security infrastructure in 2025. Security systems recorded more than 2.8 billion interceptions through custom protection rules and mitigated over 1.5 billion DDoS-related attack attempts. The platform's monitoring capabilities were further enhanced through machine learning-based behavioral analysis designed to identify suspicious activity and emerging threats across multiple layers of the ecosystem.

User education remained a major focus of Bitget's security strategy. Anti-Scam Month campaigns conducted across 2024 and 2025 reached approximately 1.38 billion users globally through security awareness content, educational resources, and community engagement initiatives. The company also expanded its Anti-Scam Hub, maintained its public bug bounty program, and introduced interactive initiatives such as the Smarter Eyes Challenge, which attracted close to 50,000 participants through simulated phishing and scam detection exercises.

Bitget continued to collaborate with leading blockchain security organizations, including SlowMist and Elliptic, to support threat intelligence sharing, anti-fraud research, and broader industry awareness efforts. Through a combination of platform security, user education, and industry cooperation, the company continues to invest in creating a safer environment for users navigating digital and tokenized financial markets.

WazirX Launches Crypto Futures With Lowest Trading Fees In The Industry

WazirX today announced the launch of crypto Futures trading, bringing crypto derivatives to Indian traders with a fee structure that makes professional-grade trading accessible to everyone.

WazirX Futures will have a maker fee of 0.02% and a taker fee of 0.04%. Among Indian crypto exchanges, this is the lowest fee, with no volume threshold required to access it. Users can also access Futures directly with INR, without converting to USDT before opening a position, removing a friction point that has historically complicated derivatives trading for Indian retail traders.

"Futures trading in India has meant high fees unless you are a large-volume institutional trader. We have changed that baseline. A trader starting out on WazirX Futures gets the same fee rate as an institutional trader on most other platforms.The aim is to provide a robust platform with low fees for futures traders," said Nischal Shetty, founder, WazirX.

Before accessing Futures, users complete a mandatory knowledge quiz covering leverage, margin and liquidation. The initiative is designed to encourage responsible trading practices, to ensure users are well informed before they participate in Futures trading. At the same time, the platform is investing in user education initiatives to help a broader base of traders understand Futures well.

WazirX Futures is also linked to the platform's ongoing Restructuring. Futures trading will generate further profits from platform operations and directed toward additional recoveries for eligible creditors who hold Recovery Tokens. This is on top of the 85% fund distribution already completed.

WazirX Futures will be expanded in phases, based on liquidity, risk controls and user readiness.

WazirX is one of India’s leading crypto exchanges, with over 16 million registered users. The platform offers a user-friendly way to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Ripple, etc. without any trading fees, at only INR 99 a month. WazirX has partnered with BitGo and integrated Fireblocks’ technology to strengthen digital asset security. WazirX is committed to providing its users with the best possible trading experience, focusing on security, ease of use, and customer support.

For more information about WazirX, please visit: https://wazirx.com/

New York Times Links Bitcoin’s Mystery Founder to Adam Back — He Denies It

The New York Times has published a major investigation claiming that British cryptographer Adam Back, CEO of Blockstream and inventor of Hashcash, is the most likely person behind the pseudonym “Satoshi Nakamoto,” the creator of Bitcoin. Back has strongly denied the claim, calling it “confirmation bias” and reiterating that he is not Satoshi.

Key Details from the NYT Investigation

• Reporter: John Carreyrou led the investigation for The New York Times.
• Claim: Adam Back’s background, writing style, and early cryptography work (notably Hashcash) align closely with Satoshi Nakamoto’s emails and the 2008 Bitcoin white paper.
• Evidence:
  • Similar phrasing and technical references in Nakamoto’s emails and Back’s writings.
  • Back’s role as a Cypherpunk and early advocate of digital cash systems.
• Denial: Adam Back publicly rejected the claim, stating he is not Satoshi and has denied similar allegations in the past.

Context: Why Adam Back?

Factor	Adam Back	Satoshi Nakamoto
Cryptography background	Invented Hashcash (1997), a proof-of-work system later referenced in Bitcoin	Bitcoin white paper cites Hashcash
Cypherpunk ties	Active in privacy and cryptography communities	Nakamoto’s writings align with Cypherpunk ideals
Writing style	NYT claims stylistic similarities in emails	Nakamoto’s emails analyzed for linguistic overlap
Denial	Consistently denies being Satoshi	True identity remains unconfirmed

Risks & Controversies

• Lack of definitive proof: No cryptographic signatures or verifiable evidence link Back to Nakamoto.
• Confirmation bias concerns: Critics argue the NYT investigation selectively interprets circumstantial evidence.
• Industry division: Some in the crypto community still point to other candidates, such as Hal Finney.

Why This Matters

• Financial stakes: Satoshi Nakamoto is believed to control over 1 million Bitcoins, worth tens of billions of dollars today.
• Cultural impact: The mystery of Bitcoin’s creator remains one of the most enduring questions in finance and technology.
• Geopolitical resonance: Identifying Satoshi could reshape narratives around decentralization, privacy, and the origins of the crypto economy.

Bottom line: The NYT’s claim that Adam Back is Satoshi Nakamoto has reignited global debate, but without hard cryptographic proof, the mystery remains unsolved. Back’s denial underscores that the identity of Bitcoin’s creator is still one of the most elusive puzzles in modern finance.

Binance Reinforces User Safety With Global Verification Tool Against Impersonation Fraud

• If someone reaches out claiming they work with Binance – especially in roles like business development and partnerships, account management, and customer support – check them using Binance Verify. If they cannot be verified, treat the contact as untrusted, and do not proceed. 
• If anyone guides you to download and open files, share screenshots of your account pages, scan QR codes to log in, enable remote control or screen sharing, share your password, or click unknown links, stop immediately.
• Do not open compressed files or run attachments sent by strangers, even if they look like normal documents. If you have already opened a suspicious file or shared screenshots, contact Binance Customer Support and take immediate account-security steps.

Binance, the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange and blockchain infrastructure provider, today reiterated its longstanding commitment to user safety and responsible trading by reinforcing comprehensive guidance to help retail users identify, avoid, and report impersonation fraud. Central to its ongoing effort is Binance Verify — its official channel-authentication tool, which has been freely accessible to all users worldwide since its launch, with no account or login required. The tool allows any individual to instantly confirm whether a domain, email address, phone number, or social media handle corresponds to a verified, official Binance channel. Its unrestricted public availability reflects Binance's position that safety infrastructure is accessible to everyone, account holders and non-account holders alike, and that the first line of defence against fraud must be in the hands of every user.

Impersonation fraud has emerged as one of the most persistent threats in the digital asset space. Fraudsters routinely create lookalike profiles, clone official communications, and mimic legitimate platforms with a level of sophistication that makes detection difficult for even experienced users. The consequences — financial loss, compromised account security, and erosion of trust in regulated platforms — are real and significant. What this threat makes clear is that user protection cannot rest with any single party. Exchanges must build robust safeguards, regulators must maintain an informed oversight environment, and users must be equipped to exercise their own vigilance.

SB Seker, Head of APAC, Binance commented, "As crypto adoption deepens, we are seeing attacks that are no longer opportunistic but engineered. Bad actors are studying how users interact with platforms, mimicking familiar language, interfaces, and processes with alarming precision. That is deeply concerning, because the people being targeted are often those who are newest to crypto and most trusting.

Protecting our users is not a compliance obligation, it is a commitment we hold at the core of everything we do. Every tool we build, every advisory we issue, every awareness effort we run comes from a conviction that our users feel safe and empowered. We will continue to invest in stronger safeguards, deepen user education, work closely with industry partners, and stay ahead of emerging threats because the trust our users place in us is something we will never take for granted."

Binance recognises that the integrity of the digital asset ecosystem depends on coordinated action across the industry. Lookalike domains and impersonator platforms do not merely harm the users they deceive, they damage the reputation of legitimate exchanges and complicate the regulatory environment for the sector as a whole. Binance invites regulators, industry bodies, and fellow platforms to collaborate on establishing clearer verification standards, swift reporting mechanisms for fraudulent brand misuse, and joint user-awareness initiatives that reach retail participants at scale.

Users who wish to verify the authenticity of a Binance communication can do so immediately at https://www.binance.com/en/official-verification. Users who believe they have been targeted by an impersonation attempt are encouraged to contact Binance Customer Support through official channels and to report the incident promptly. For detailed guidance on how to use the tool, visit FAQ: What Is Binance Verify?

India Sets Up Lab to Track Offshore Crypto Platforms

India has launched a new “Virtual Asset Lab” under the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to track unregistered offshore crypto platforms, aiming to curb money laundering and tax evasion risks. The lab uses advanced analytics and web surveillance tools to identify high-risk virtual asset service providers (oVASPs) operating outside Indian regulations.

Key Highlights

• Launch Date: March 2026
• Authority: FIU-India, supported by inter-agency cooperation
• Objective: Detect and disrupt offshore crypto platforms serving Indian users without registration
• Tools Used: Analytics, AI-driven monitoring, and web surveillance
• Global Context: Initiative aligns with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations

Why Offshore Crypto Platforms Are Targeted

• Many offshore exchanges bypass KYC norms and avoid Indian tax obligations.
• They operate without physical offices in India, making enforcement difficult.
• Often registered in one country but serving users globally, creating regulatory blind spots.

Benefits of the Virtual Asset Lab

• Enhanced Oversight: Identifies unregistered oVASPs and flags suspicious activity.
• User Protection: Shields Indian traders from fraud-prone platforms.
• Compliance Enforcement: Helps remove unauthorized crypto sites and enforce FIU rules.
• Global Cooperation: India joins FATF members in disrupting illegal crypto activity.

Comparison: India’s Virtual Asset Lab vs. Global Efforts

Feature	India’s Virtual Asset Lab	Other FATF Jurisdictions
Focus	Offshore unregistered oVASPs	Similar focus on high-risk oVASPs
Tools	AI analytics + web surveillance	Cooperation with ISPs, app stores
Regulatory Authority	FIU-India	National FIUs & regulators
Primary Goal	Prevent money laundering, enforce compliance	Disrupt unauthorized crypto activity

Risks & Challenges

• Regulatory Arbitrage: Offshore platforms may shift operations to new jurisdictions.
• User Adaptation: Traders might migrate to decentralized exchanges (DEXs), harder to regulate.
• Implementation Complexity: Requires strong inter-agency coordination and global cooperation.

Takeaway

India’s Virtual Asset Lab is a decisive step toward modernizing crypto oversight. For Indian traders, this means stricter compliance checks and possible restrictions on using offshore exchanges. It also signals India’s intent to align with global FATF standards, strengthening its fight against illicit financial flows in the crypto ecosystem.

Rise of Women Crypto Investors in India

India’s crypto landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, with women emerging as one of the fastest-growing investor segments. Recent reports from CoinDCX and CoinSwitch, released ahead of International Women’s Day 2026, highlight a surge in female participation that signals both financial inclusion and a structural shift in digital asset adoption.

The Numbers Tell the Story

• 116.8% Growth: CoinDCX reported that women investors on its platform grew by 116.8% year-on-year.
• 15% User Base: Women now account for 15% of India’s crypto investors.
• Diversification: On average, women hold four different digital assets, balancing Bitcoin with Ethereum, Polygon, Solana, Cardano, and XRP.
• Future Intent: CoinSwitch’s nationwide survey found that 85% of women plan to invest in crypto soon, with 62% “very likely” to do so within the next 6–12 months.

Regional & Demographic Shifts

• Beyond Metros: Growth is strong not only in urban hubs but also in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
• Mobile-First Access: Women are increasingly using smartphone trading apps to enter the market.
• Long-Term Focus: Female investors lean toward research-driven, diversified portfolios.

Exchange-Level Insights

Exchange	Female Participation	Key Features Driving Adoption
CoinDCX	~18% of active traders	SIPs in crypto, DCX Learn education hub
CoinSwitch	120% rise in female sign-ups	Simplified INR-based trading, strong Tier-2/3 adoption
WazirX	~15% of user base	P2P trading, stablecoin use, women-led webinars

What’s Driving the Rise

• Education-first approach: Tutorials, webinars, and simplified dashboards build confidence.
• Security & Trust: Strong compliance and authentication features attract cautious investors.
• Diversification Tools: SIPs, auto-invest options, and curated portfolios appeal to women seeking stability.
• Community Building: Women-led initiatives and peer groups foster inclusivity.

Risks & Considerations

• Regulatory Uncertainty: India’s evolving crypto regulations mean investors must stay alert to taxation and compliance.
• Volatility: Diversification helps, but crypto remains a high-risk asset class.
• Fraud & Scams: Rising participation makes vigilance against Ponzi schemes and phishing essential.

The Bigger Picture

The rise of women crypto investors in India is more than a demographic trend—it’s a structural shift in financial participation. With 15% of the user base now female and a strong pipeline of new entrants, 2026 could mark a turning point in gender representation in India’s digital asset ecosystem.

Exchanges are expected to compete aggressively by tailoring products for women investors, focusing on financial literacy, risk management, and community support. This momentum not only strengthens India’s crypto market but also advances the broader narrative of financial empowerment and inclusion.

MetaMask and Mastercard Unveil Self-Custodial Crypto Card in U.S.

MetaMask, the leading Ethereum wallet, has officially rolled out its Mastercard-powered debit card across the United States, marking a major milestone in bridging decentralized finance with everyday payments. The announcement was made through MetaMask’s official channels and confirmed in industry reports.

A New Era of Crypto Spending

The MetaMask Card allows users to spend digital assets directly from their self-custodial wallets at millions of merchants worldwide. Unlike traditional crypto cards that require pre-loading funds onto an exchange, this card preserves user control until the moment of payment. Supported assets include USDC, USDT, ETH, and tokenized stablecoins, with seamless integration into Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Nationwide Availability

The card is now accessible in 49 U.S. states, including New York, with Vermont excluded at launch due to regulatory constraints. This expansion follows earlier pilots in Europe, Latin America, and Canada, signaling MetaMask’s ambition for global adoption.

Powered by Mastercard’s Network

Issued by Cross River Bank and enabled by fintech partner Monavate, the card leverages Mastercard’s global payment rails. This ensures compatibility with existing merchant infrastructure, allowing crypto holders to “tap and pay” anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

Onchain Rewards and Premium Options

Beyond convenience, MetaMask promises:

• Onchain rewards for spending, reinforcing its crypto-native ethos
• A premium Metal Card edition in the works, offering enhanced benefits and design

MetaMask Card vs Traditional Crypto Cards

Feature	MetaMask Card	Typical Crypto Cards
Custody of Assets	Self-custodial (user retains control)	Custodial (exchange holds funds)
Payment Method	Direct from wallet	Pre-loaded balance
Rewards	Onchain crypto rewards	Fiat or exchange-based rewards
Global Acceptance	Mastercard network	Varies by issuer
Digital Wallet Support	Apple Pay, Google Pay	Limited

Why It Matters

This launch represents a strategic leap for mainstream crypto adoption:

• Self-Custody First: Users retain control of their private keys, aligning with Web3 principles
• Frictionless Payments: No need for conversions or pre-loading balances
• Mass Acceptance: Backed by Mastercard’s global merchant network

Source: MetaMask official announcement and Mastercard press release.

Polygon Labs Bets $250M on Stablecoin Future With Coinme and Sequence Acquisitions

Polygon Labs, a blockchain technology company that builds Ethereum scaling solutions using advanced zero‑knowledge (ZK) technology, has announced it will acquire Coinme and Sequence in deals worth over $250 million, aiming to expand into regulated U.S. stablecoin payments and strengthen its Open Money Stack strategy.

Key Details of the Acquisition

• Deal Size: More than $250 million
• Targets:
  • Coinme → A U.S.-regulated crypto payments firm with licensed fiat on/off ramps.
  • Sequence → A wallet infrastructure provider enabling cross-chain payment orchestration.
• Strategic Goal: Build Polygon’s Open Money Stack, a vertically integrated solution for stablecoin payments at scale.
• Market Impact: Access to regulated fiat-to-crypto infrastructure in 48 U.S. states; expansion into India and other markets planned after U.S. rollout.
• Transaction Timeline: Sequence deal expected to close this month; Coinme deal expected to close later in 2026.

Why This Matters

• Scale Boost: Combined businesses have processed $1B+ in offchain sales and $2T+ in onchain transfers.
• Regulatory Edge: Coinme’s licenses give Polygon legal access to fiat ramps.
• Ecosystem Growth: Wallet infrastructure from Sequence strengthens Polygon’s ability to orchestrate cross-chain payments.
• Revenue Potential: Increased network fees and throughput will directly benefit Polygon stakers and validators.

Comparison of Acquired Firms

Feature	Coinme	Sequence
Founded	2014	Recent (wallet infra startup)
Core Offering	Licensed fiat on/off ramps, crypto ATMs	Wallet infrastructure, cross-chain orchestration
Regulatory Status	Licensed in 48 U.S. states	Infrastructure provider (non-regulated)
Strategic Value to Polygon	Enables regulated stablecoin payments	Powers Open Money Stack wallet + cross-chain
Scale	1M+ users, $1B+ offchain sales	$2T+ onchain transfers with Polygon

Risks & Considerations

• Regulatory Scrutiny: Stablecoin payments in the U.S. face evolving compliance requirements Integration Challenges: Merging Coinme’s fiat-heavy operations with Polygon’s blockchain ecosystem could be complex.
• Competition: Other blockchain firms (e.g., Circle, Ripple) are also pushing into regulated stablecoin payments.
• Global Expansion: India is mentioned as a next market, but regulatory clarity remains uncertain.

Bottom Line: Polygon Labs’ acquisition of Coinme and Sequence is a bold $250M+ bet to dominate regulated stablecoin payments in the U.S. and beyond.

Notably, Polygon Labs is one of the leading players in the Ethereum scaling ecosystem, known for its ZK‑based Layer‑2 solutions and commitment to building an open, interoperable Web3 infrastructure.

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.

Crypto Tax Collections Jump 41%; Maharashtra, Karnataka on Top

India’s crypto TDS collections surged 41% in FY25, reaching ₹511.83 crore, with Maharashtra and Karnataka leading the contributions. Maharashtra-based exchanges accounted for ₹293.40 crore, while Karnataka followed with ₹133.94 crore, said a report by Hindustan Times, citing official data from the Finance Ministry.

India’s crypto TDS collected in the previous financial year (FY24) was ₹362.70 crore. For context, FY25 rose to ₹511.83 crore, a 41% jump, under the 1% TDS on VDA transfers (Section 194S) effective since July 1, 2022.

Virtual Digital Asset (VDA) transfers refer to the buying, selling, or exchanging of digital assets such as cryptocurrencies and NFTs. In India, these transfers are subject to a 30% tax on profits and a 1% TDS deduction on each transaction.

Key Highlights of Crypto TDS Surge

• Total TDS collected (FY25): ₹511.83 crore, up from ₹362.70 crore in FY24 — a 41% increase.
• Top contributors by state (exchange base):
  • Maharashtra: ₹293.40 crore (+30.6%)
  • Karnataka: ₹133.94 crore (+63.4%)
  • Gujarat: ₹28.63 crore (slight decline of 2.3%)
  • Delhi: ₹28.33 crore (sharp rise from previous year)
• Policy background: Since July 1, 2022, India mandates a 1% TDS on all crypto/virtual digital asset (VDA) transfers under Section 194S of the Income Tax Act.
• Purpose: Designed to track crypto transactions in real time and curb tax evasion.

Why This Matters

• Government oversight strengthened: The surge reflects tighter monitoring of crypto activity and compliance by exchanges.
• Regional dominance: Maharashtra and Karnataka’s lead highlights their role as crypto exchange hubs.
• Investor impact: The 1% TDS rule has been criticized for reducing liquidity in crypto markets, but it ensures greater transparency for regulators.
• Tax enforcement trend: Authorities have also acted against exchanges for GST evasion and issued notices to tens of thousands of investors.

Risks & Trade-offs

• Liquidity drain: The 1% TDS on every transaction discourages frequent trading, especially for retail investors.
• Compliance burden: Exchanges must maintain detailed transaction records, increasing operational costs.
• Market shift: Some traders may move to offshore or decentralized platforms to avoid TDS, raising enforcement challenges.
• Regulatory uncertainty: India still lacks a comprehensive crypto regulatory framework, leaving investors exposed to volatility and legal ambiguity.

Strategic Takeaway

• The 41% surge in crypto TDS collections signals that India’s tax authorities are successfully tightening their grip on digital asset transactions.
• For investors and exchanges, this means higher compliance costs but also clearer government oversight.
• Maharashtra and Karnataka’s dominance underscores their position as crypto infrastructure centers, shaping India’s evolving digital asset landscape.

Coinbase Wins India’s Nod for $2.45B CoinDCX Stake

India’s antitrust regulator has officially approved Coinbase’s acquisition of a minority stake in CoinDCX, valuing the Indian crypto exchange at $2.45 billion. This marks a major regulatory milestone for Coinbase as it rebuilds its presence in India after exiting in 2023 due to compliance and payment challenges.

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Key Highlights

• Approval Authority: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) cleared Coinbase’s minority stake acquisition in DCX Global Ltd, the parent company of CoinDCX.
• Valuation: CoinDCX confirmed the deal values the exchange at $2.45 billion, underscoring its position as one of India’s largest digital asset platforms.
• Strategic Intent: Coinbase aims to expand operations in India and the Middle East, strengthening its long-term partnership with CoinDCX.
• Background: Coinbase had exited India in 2023 after regulatory and payment gateway hurdles but is now re-entering with a more cautious, regulator-approved approach.
• History of Investment: Coinbase has been an investor in CoinDCX since 2020, participating in earlier funding rounds. This latest move extends its commitment.

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Why This Matters

• For Coinbase:
  • Re-establishes credibility in India’s tightly regulated crypto market.
  • Provides a foothold in Asia’s fastest-growing digital asset ecosystem.
  • Signals resilience after setbacks, including a $44 million security breach earlier in 2025.
• For CoinDCX:
  • Boosts legitimacy with global backing.
  • Enhances ability to scale operations and attract new users.
  • Positions itself as a bridge between Indian retail investors and global crypto liquidity.

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Risks & Challenges

• Regulatory Uncertainty: India’s crypto regulations remain fluid, with taxation and compliance burdens still heavy.
• Market Volatility: Crypto valuations can swing sharply, making long-term stability uncertain.
• Trust Factor: Coinbase must rebuild trust after its abrupt 2023 exit and recent security breach.

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Comparison Snapshot

Aspect	Coinbase (Global)	CoinDCX (India)
Market Reach	US, EU, Asia	India, Middle East
Valuation Impact	Strengthens Asia presence	$2.45B valuation confirmed
Regulatory Status	Approved by CCI	Gains legitimacy via global partner
Strategic Goal	Re-entry into India	Expansion with global capital

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Bottom Line: Coinbase’s approved minority stake in CoinDCX is more than just an investment—it’s a strategic re-entry into India’s crypto market, with potential ripple effects across Asia. The move strengthens CoinDCX’s valuation and credibility, while giving Coinbase a second chance to establish itself in one of the world’s most dynamic digital asset markets.

Indian Crypto Industry 2025 Review & 2026 Outlook

India’s crypto story in 2025 matured beyond the hype cycle. Participation widened outside metros, investors shifted toward disciplined, longer-term behavior, and the conversation moved from “if” to “how” crypto integrates with mainstream finance and compliance. The next year hinges on regulatory clarity and institutional-grade infrastructure catching up with grassroots demand.

2025 snapshot: Adoption, behavior, and geography

• Non-metro surge: Tier-2, -3, and -4 cities accounted for roughly three-quarters of activity, signaling diffusion from metro-centric early adopters to broader “Bharat” participation. Uttar Pradesh led state contributions at around 13% in some datasets, reflecting heightened engagement beyond traditional hubs.
• Investor resilience despite taxes: Even with India’s 30% flat tax on crypto gains, retail activity persisted as investors adapted with more cautious, long-term strategies and diversified portfolios emphasizing Bitcoin’s renewed dominance.
• Youth-driven participation: The user base remained skewed younger, mirroring trends in India’s expanding equity participation, but with crypto increasingly treated as one allocation within a broader wealth plan rather than a standalone speculative bet.
• Scale and maturity narrative: India remained among the largest global markets by adoption, with 2025 characterized by high transaction volumes and growing exchange competition under strict tax rules and evolving compliance expectations.

Policy and compliance realities in 2025

• Tax regime anchoring behavior: The 30% tax and compliance requirements pushed retail toward fewer, higher-conviction trades, longer holding periods, and cleaner audit trails—reducing churn while sustaining participation.
• Regulatory posture: Industry operated under taxation-first oversight with an expectation of clearer licensing and consumer-risk frameworks ahead, as domestic growth and global coordination pressures mounted.

Market structure and infrastructure trends

• Exchange-led localization: Platforms focused on regional onboarding, vernacular content, and simplified KYC flows to tap non-metro demand at scale, aligning crypto adoption with broader digital finance penetration.
• Mainstreaming use cases: Tokenization narratives and Bitcoin’s “treasury” framing gained mindshare as institutions globally explored structured participation, setting the stage for India’s infrastructure upgrades in custody, reporting, and compliance in the next phase.

2026 outlook: What changes, what persists

• Institutional tilt accelerates: Expect a gradual shift from retail-dominated flows to institution-ready structures—better custody, auditability, and risk controls—driven by global regulatory convergence and tokenization use cases gaining operational traction.
• Macro and thematic drivers: Higher-quality assets and clear narratives (Bitcoin as macro hedge or treasury asset; real-world asset tokenization; compliant yield) likely lead performance and capital allocation, with risk premia compressing as rules clarify.
• Domestic regulatory clarity: India faces mounting pressure to move from tax-only oversight to licensing, consumer protection, standardized disclosures, and onshore compliance rails—critical to enabling safer participation and attracting institutional capital.
• Geographic depth sustains growth: Non-metro adoption remains the engine, aided by vernacular education, agent networks, and simplified compliance experiences—keeping India’s user expansion resilient even without immediate policy liberalization.
• Scale trajectory: Analyses of India’s evolution suggest multi-year revenue growth and user expansion potential as frameworks mature; projections vary, but the directional trend points to sustained growth into the late 2020s under clearer rules.

Risks and watchlist for 2026

• Regulatory timing risk: Delay in licensing and consumer-risk frameworks could cap institutional participation and keep costs high for compliant operators.
• Global spillovers: External shocks (macro tightening, cross-border enforcement actions) can propagate quickly into Indian retail sentiment and liquidity.
• Operational compliance: KYC, AML, and tax reporting burdens remain a moat and an execution challenge; firms that productize compliance will gain advantage.

Practical moves: For companies and investors

• For companies:
  • Compliance-first rails: Build audit-ready custody, reporting, and disclosure systems anticipating licensing and standardized safeguards.
  • Regional distribution: Invest in vernacular education, lightweight onboarding, and agent-assisted support to deepen non-metro growth.
  • Institutional partnerships: Align with banks, fintechs, and custodians to bridge crypto with mainstream finance and tokenization pilots.
• For investors:
  • Core-satellite discipline: Anchor allocations in higher-quality assets (e.g., BTC) with measured exposure to tokenization and yield themes; prioritize compliance and documentation given tax realities.
  • Hold-period focus: Favor longer horizons and transparent record-keeping to mitigate tax friction and volatility impacts.
  • Regulatory readiness: Track licensing developments and platform safeguards; shift toward institution-grade venues as they emerge.

Views by Industry Leaders

Nischal Shetty, Founder, WazirX

Looking back at 2025, the crypto industry paints a mixed but hopeful picture. On one hand, the industry saw real progress: growth in DeFi projects, expansion of stablecoins, new CBDC-infrastructure pilots, and rising developer activity across APAC and globally, with millions committing to code on-chain. On the other hand, after early-year optimism from retail investors, the October correction was a reminder that sentiment remains fragile and that hype without real delivery can still hurt the industry... 

... Institutional shifts and policy signals, however, brought meaningful momentum. Vanguard reversed its long-standing prohibition on crypto, opening its platform to Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana ETFs, triggering a surge in mainstream adoption. The CFTC’s approval of spot crypto ETFs added another boost, reflecting a steady move toward giving traditional financial investors regulated crypto exposure. Firms like BlackRock continued their disciplined investment push into digital assets.

Looking ahead to 2026, there might be reason for optimism just yet. In India, the foundation stone of the CBDC project could be laid soon. The RBI has announced a hackathon in October to nurture tech talents in the emerging technology space, which will encourage more Indians to see emerging tech as a promising career prospect. A clearer regulatory framework for VDAs, potentially paired with supportive tax measures, support for stablecoin initiatives alongside CBDC measures, could unlock real-world blockchain use cases from Indian builders to kickstart on-chain growth for Indians.

So, while 2025 wasn’t a clean breakout year, it was undeniably transformative. Infrastructure matured, institutional participation widened, and policy debates sharpened worldwide.

In 2026, globally, institutional appetite for regulated digital-asset products will continue to increase, driving capital inflows and contributing to market stability. At the same time, domestic policies for countries will be key in shaping their respective investor sentiment.”

Raj Karkara, COO, ZebPay

2025 has shaped up to be a landmark year for crypto, a year where digital assets moved decisively from niche innovation toward foundational financial infrastructure. The start of the year saw the establishment of the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, a bold signal of Bitcoin’s growing strategic importance. By mid-year, the passage of the GENIUS Act provided a clear regulatory framework for USD-backed stablecoins, fostering trust and laying the groundwork for broader adoption. October brought a historic moment as Bitcoin surpassed $125,000 to record a new all-time high, while tokenized real-world assets spanning real estate, commodities, and financial instruments surged, demonstrating how blockchain is bridging traditional finance and the digital economy... 

...Regulatory and institutional progress continued to gain momentum as the year advanced. The CFTC’s December 4 announcement allowing listed spot crypto products on registered futures exchanges marked a pivotal step in evolving the ecosystem from regulated ETFs to clearer cross-border compliance frameworks and deeper institutional participation. These milestones underscore a global shift toward credibility, transparency, and scalable adoption of digital assets, positioning crypto to play an increasingly integral role in the years ahead.

This year, as we celebrated ZebPay’s 11th anniversary, we unveiled our new identity, “Bitcoin Mein Pro.” Since 2014, Bitcoin has been central to what we do, and with this reaffirmation of our long standing conviction, we have made Bitcoin investing our clear and enduring purpose. Throughout 2025, we upheld education as a core priority, through workshops, explainers, and platform-led initiatives, with the aim of helping users understand the true essence of Bitcoin as an asset class, build confidence, embrace long-term thinking, and develop an investor mindset that looks beyond short-term market movements, as they progress in their ‘Pro’ journey. Furthermore, we strengthened our security architecture through advanced, multi-layered protections, complemented by enhanced KYC/AML frameworks that ensure a fully compliant and trustworthy environment for every user.

We are committed to helping people embrace Bitcoin with confidence while building long-term trust in digital assets. Moving into 2026, we anticipate exciting opportunities to expand adoption, introduce innovative solutions, and strengthen the infrastructure that will support the next generation of crypto investors. ZebPay’s mission is to guide this journey with clarity, reliability, and a focus on sustainable growth that creates long-term value.

Coinbase Relaunches in India: Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Resumes, INR Support Delayed Until 2026

Coinbase, the world’s largest publicly listed cryptocurrency exchange, has officially reopened its services in India after a two-year hiatus. The relaunch, announced quietly in December, allows Indian users to register and trade crypto-to-crypto pairs. However, fiat deposits in Indian rupees (INR) will not be available until 2026, marking a cautious re-entry into one of the world’s fastest-growing digital asset markets.

A cautious return

Coinbase first entered India in April 2022 but quickly suspended Unified Payments Interface (UPI) support after the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) distanced itself from crypto transactions. By 2023, the exchange had fully off-boarded Indian users.

This time, Coinbase is taking a compliance-first approach. The company has registered with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), signaling its intent to align with local anti-money laundering and reporting requirements. At India Blockchain Week, Coinbase APAC Director John O’Loghlen confirmed that fiat on-ramps will be introduced in 2026.

Current limitations

• Crypto-to-crypto trading only: Indian users can trade pairs like BTC/ETH but cannot deposit or withdraw INR.
• Fiat integration delayed: INR deposits and withdrawals are expected in 2026.
• Regulatory uncertainty: India’s 30% tax on crypto gains and 1% TDS per transaction remain significant hurdles.

Competitive landscape

Coinbase’s delayed fiat rollout places it behind local rivals:

Feature	Coinbase (India, 2025 relaunch)	WazirX	CoinDCX
Fiat Support (INR)	Not available until 2026	Full INR deposits/withdrawals	Full INR deposits/withdrawals
Trading Options	Crypto-to-crypto pairs only	Spot, P2P, futures	Spot, margin, futures
Fees	Globally competitive, INR fees TBD	~0.2% trading fee	~0.1% trading fee
Liquidity	Global liquidity, limited INR access	Strong local liquidity	Moderate liquidity
Regulatory Status	FIU registered	Indian compliance	Indian compliance

Strategic outlook

Coinbase’s India relaunch is less about immediate retail dominance and more about long-term positioning. By securing FIU registration and promising INR integration in 2026, the company is betting on regulatory clarity and institutional adoption.

Yet, the trust gap remains. Coinbase’s abrupt 2023 exit left many Indian users wary, and its delayed fiat support risks ceding ground to entrenched rivals. Success will depend on whether Coinbase can rebuild credibility and leverage its global brand to attract Indian traders once INR deposits go live.

The bottom line

• Near-term practicality: Indian users seeking INR access will find WazirX and CoinDCX more practical.
• Coinbase’s proposition: Global liquidity and compliance assurances, but patience required until 2026.
• Market watch: The coming year will determine whether Coinbase can reclaim relevance or remain secondary until regulatory clarity arrives.

Global Crypto Market Lost $100 Billion in 24 Hrs: What’s next?

The global crypto market has just suffered a staggering $100 billion wipeout, sending shockwaves through investors and institutions alike.

Bitcoin slipped below the critical $90,000 mark, Ethereum dropped over 3%, and altcoins followed suit — raising urgent questions about whether this is a temporary shakeout or the start of a deeper downturn.

The crash in numbers

• Market cap decline: Total crypto market capitalization fell from $3.15 trillion to $3.05 trillion, erasing roughly $100 billion in value.
• Bitcoin breakdown: Bitcoin failed to hold the $94K–$95K range, plunging to $89,614.
• Ethereum and altcoins: Ethereum dropped 3.14% to $3,031, BNB fell to $884.76, XRP slid to $2.03, and Solana dropped nearly 3% to $132.81.
• Liquidations: In late November, over $2 billion in leveraged positions were liquidated within 24 hours, underscoring the fragility of sentiment.

Why it happened

• Leverage unwinding: Heavy margin trading triggered cascading liquidations once Bitcoin broke support.
• ETF outflows: Bitcoin ETFs saw $3.79 billion in redemptions last month, with BlackRock alone losing $2.47 billion.
• Extreme fear: The Crypto Fear & Greed Index plunged to 11, its lowest since the FTX collapse in 2022.
• Macro pressures: Global liquidity tightening and regulatory uncertainty continue to weigh on risk assets.

Recovery scenarios

Short-term bounce (relief rally)

• Oversold conditions: Extreme fear often tempts contrarian buyers.
• Support levels: If Bitcoin holds above $90K, a rebound toward $94K–$95K is possible.
• Catalysts: Short covering, easing macro fears, or slowing ETF outflows could spark a rally.

Prolonged downturn (bearish continuation)

• Institutional retreat: Persistent ETF outflows suggest big players are pulling back.
• Macro headwinds: Tight liquidity and looming regulation may keep risk appetite low.
• Risk scenario: A break below $88K could trigger another liquidation wave, dragging market cap toward $2.9 trillion.

The takeaway

This $100 billion wipeout highlights how fragile crypto’s bullish momentum really was.

With leveraged positions unwinding, ETF outflows accelerating, and fear at panic levels, the market stands at a crossroads.
If Bitcoin stabilizes above $90K, a relief rally could follow. But if it breaks lower, brace for a deeper correction.

The coming days will reveal whether this is a temporary shakeout or the start of a longer bearish phase — and all eyes are on institutional flows and regulatory signals to decide the market’s fate.