News: Coinbase has officially launched retail trading services in India, enabling users to deposit and withdraw funds directly via bank accounts using IMPS, bypassing the need for P2P intermediaries. The expansion includes the introduction of local INR order books, spot trading, and perpetual futures for major crypto assets. To ensure long-term compliance and presence, Coinbase has registered with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND). This move follows Coinbase's strategic investments in the Indian ecosystem, including its stake in CoinDCX and support for the developer community through the Base network.
AI Analysis: This expansion marks a significant strategic shift from Coinbase's previous attempt in 2022. By adopting a regulated approach through FIU-IND registration and implementing direct fiat rails (IMPS), Coinbase is addressing previous friction points and regulatory uncertainty. This local integration is designed to capture high trading activity and developer talent in India, positioning the firm to compete more effectively in one of the world's most active crypto markets.
