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RBI Clarifies Crypto Banking Regulations in India

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This month, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) clarified its stance on banks seeking to provide services to crypto customers. The clarification comes nearly a month after the supreme court ruled that cryptocurrencies trading is not illegal in the country. The news demonstrates a growing demand for decentralized currencies in India, as well as, a desire by regulators to remain relevant in the digital economy.

No Laws Prohibiting Banks

According to a statement by RBI executives, there are no laws prohibiting banks from offering banking services to crypto-related business clients. The statement comes after a public outcry from the cryptocommunity. Many voiced concerns over banks denying them service on the grounds of RBI's previous statement. Now, the market has clarification. As such, crypto service providers and traders can now rest easy knowing that they have the same rights as other businesses in the country.

Further research reveals that statement was a direct response to a query filed by the co-founder of the cryptocurrency exchange Unocoin, BV Harish. BV Harish utilized the country's Right to Information (RTI) Act to force the bank's statement. Importantly, the official filing took place back on April 25. However, SBI took nearly a month to make the news public.

Clarify RBI Stance

Importantly, the statement follows a supreme court ruling last month on the use of cryptocurrencies in the country. The ruling made it clear that crypto exchanges and traders have a place in India. Discussing the ruling, Nischal Shetty, founder, and CEO of Mumbai-based cryptocurrency exchange WazirX explained why the market needed some clarification on RBI's stance. He welcomed the decision. He also pointed out that RBI had been silent on the matter until forced to comment via the filing.

Right to Information (RTI) Filing Against RBI

Right to Information (RTI) Filing Against RBI

Despite the positive response from investors, central bankers were quick to chastise the decision. Not surprisingly, RBI Bank executives even planned to file a review petition against the decision. Like most central banking authorities, they believe that cryptocurrencies pose a direct threat to the stability of the market. Notably, the group hasn't filed any reviews as of yet.

India Continues on its Decentralization – RBI

India continues to embrace blockchain technology on all levels. This vibrant nation has an active crypto community. They have fought long and hard for their right to a free crypto market. Over the last few years, the country has been embroiled in internal debates regarding the legality of these unique financial instruments.

Cryptocurrency Hub

Importantly, since the supreme court's ruling, crypto activity in the country has seen a gradual uptick. Specifically, local exchanges across the nation reported major upticks in trading activity. Even with all the positive growth, it could be months before India regains its spot as the crypto epicenter in the region. Hopefully, the new ruling provides investors with the transparency needed to push expansion in the Indian crypto markets further than ever before. For now, many in the country can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their decentralized investment strategies are still safe.

David Hamilton is a full-time journalist and a long-time bitcoinist. He specializes in writing articles on the blockchain. His articles have been published in multiple bitcoin publications including Bitcoinlightning.com

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