Regulation
Crypto News: SEBI Considers Regulatory Role in Crypto Trading, Diverging From RBI’s Approach. Here’s What Experts Think
In a significant development in India’s crypto landscape, the Securities and Exchange Commission of India (SEBI) has recommended several regulators to oversee cryptocurrency trading nationwide. The move has generated considerable interest within India crypto communityGiven the RBIthe historically strict control exercised over digital assetsIt is important to note that since 2018, the RBI has been exercising strict control over cryptocurrencies, prohibiting banks and other regulated entities from facilitating crypto transactions. However, SEBI’s recent proposal for a multi-regulatory approach to oversee cryptocurrency trading injected a sense of anticipation into the market.
Reacting to this development, Edul Patel, CEO of Mudrexexpressed optimism, saying, “SEBI’s proposal to have multiple regulators oversee the Virtual Digital Asset (VDA) sector represents a balanced and pragmatic approach. This move can ensure comprehensive oversight by leveraging the expertise of various financial authoritiesthereby improving regulatory clarity. This is a progressive position that recognizes the multifaceted nature of VDAs. Furthermore, it can help create investor confidencebecause a well-regulated environment reduces the likelihood of market abuse and improves the overall integrity of the ecosystem.”
Similarly, Ashish Singhal, co-founder of CoinSwitchshared his views, highlighting the potential role of SEBI in promoting an enabling environment regulatory environment for crypto. He said, “Encouraging views on crypto from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), which has overseen India’s thriving stock markets. A favorable regulatory environment has paved the way for greater consumer adoption in several other sectors in the past, such as telecom, information technology, e-commerce, etc. It’s a start, and there are many nuances that need to be discussed. Nonetheless, this is great news for crypto in India.
SEBI’s approach mirrors that of regulatory frameworks in countries like the US, where oversight extends to crypto assets classified as securities, as well as emerging offerings such as initial coin offerings (ICOs).
RBI concerns
In its observations, the RBI said cryptocurrencies could lead to tax evasion and decentralised peer-to-peer (P2P) activities in cryptocurrencies would rely on voluntary compliance – both of which pose risks to fiscal stability.
He also said cryptocurrencies could lead to a loss of “seigniorage” revenue, which is the profit a central bank makes from money creation.
After the RBIThe 2018 orders were challenged by the industry and overturned by the Supreme CourtThe central bank has asked financial institutions to strictly adhere to stringent money laundering and foreign exchange rules, thereby keeping cryptocurrencies out of India’s formal financial system.
Despite this, trading has flourished and in 2022, the government introduced a tax on crypto transactions in India to discourage such trading. It then required all exchanges to register locally before facilitating crypto transactions from within the country.
According to a PwC report released in December, 31 countries have regulations in place allowing cryptocurrency trading.
(With contributions from agencies)
(Disclaimer: The recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. They do not represent the views of Economic Times)
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