Coinbase has officially resumed user sign-ups in India through an early access program and announced plans to launch trading in Indian Rupees (INR) by 2026, signaling its full-fledged return to the rapidly growing Indian crypto market. This move follows Coinbase’s registration with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) earlier in 2025, a key regulatory milestone enabling compliant crypto operations in the country.
Coinbase’s Early Access Rollout Marks Return to India
Coinbase quietly began offering early access to a select group of Indian users in late 2025 after securing FIU registration in March, which allowed it to comply with Indian crypto regulations. While the exchange has not yet made an official public announcement, users who signed up early received invitations to test the platform’s services, including limited crypto trading and wallet features. The early access phase is designed to gather user feedback, ensure regulatory compliance, and build trust before a full launch[1][2].
The Indian website for Coinbase currently displays a welcoming message “Namaste, India!…We’re launching soon! Add your email and you’ll be the first to know when you can join.” This signals Coinbase’s intention to gradually scale its operations in one of the world’s fastest-growing crypto ecosystems, which has over 100 million estimated crypto users despite regulatory complexities[1][2].
Regulatory Compliance Paves the Way for Trading Services
Coinbase’s registration with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit is a crucial step that allows it to legally offer trading services in India. The FIU registration aligns Coinbase with other global and local crypto platforms operating under stricter regulatory oversight, reflecting India’s evolving framework for virtual digital assets. This compliance-first approach aims to address past regulatory challenges that led Coinbase to suspend operations and user registrations in 2023[3][4][5].
According to Coinbase’s Asia-Pacific regional managing director, John O'Loghlen, India represents “one of the most exciting market opportunities in the world” due to its vibrant startup ecosystem and growing blockchain developer community. Coinbase plans to launch initial retail trading services later in 2025 and expand its product offerings, including enabling trading in Indian Rupees by 2026, thereby supporting local investors and entrepreneurs[4][5][6].
Strategic Importance of the Indian Crypto Market for Coinbase
India’s crypto market is strategically important for Coinbase due to its massive and tech-savvy population, burgeoning onchain innovation, and increasing regulatory clarity. The country’s developer community has grown significantly, making it a global hub for blockchain innovation. By reestablishing its presence, Coinbase aims to empower Indian users with access to trusted trading tools and infrastructure while fostering local innovation through platforms such as Coinbase’s Base layer[5][6].
The company’s phased re-entry into India follows a competitive landscape where global players like Binance and KuCoin have also resumed operations after securing regulatory approvals. Domestic Indian exchanges such as CoinSwitch and CoinDCX continue to compete vigorously, making India a dynamic and high-potential market for crypto services[4].
Looking Ahead: Rupee Trading Launch in 2026
Coinbase’s roadmap includes launching trading with the Indian Rupee by 2026, which will allow users to directly buy, sell, and transfer cryptocurrencies using INR. This step is expected to significantly enhance user convenience and adoption by removing currency conversion barriers. The launch of INR trading will mark a milestone, positioning Coinbase as a major player in India’s digital asset ecosystem and accelerating the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies in the country[1][3][4].
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Frequently Asked Questions
When did Coinbase resume user sign-ups in India?
Coinbase started an early access rollout for selected Indian users in late 2025 after registering with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in March 2025.
What does FIU registration mean for Coinbase in India?
FIU registration allows Coinbase to legally offer crypto trading services in India, ensuring compliance with local regulations and addressing previous regulatory challenges.
What services will Coinbase offer initially in India?
The initial services will likely include limited crypto trading, wallet services, and educational tools during the early access phase, followed by a full retail launch.
When will Coinbase enable trading in Indian Rupees?
Coinbase plans to launch Indian Rupee (INR) trading services in 2026, allowing seamless crypto transactions directly in the local currency.
Why is India important for Coinbase?
India has a rapidly growing crypto user base, a vibrant blockchain developer community, and a maturing regulatory environment, making it a key strategic market for Coinbase’s international growth.
How does Coinbase’s return affect the Indian crypto market?
Coinbase’s return brings increased competition, greater regulatory compliance, and enhanced access to global crypto infrastructure, benefiting Indian users and supporting the ecosystem’s growth.
🔄 Updated: 12/7/2025, 4:10:37 PM
Coinbase has resumed user sign-ups in India through an early access program launched in October 2025, following its registration with India's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in March 2025 for AML compliance[1][4]. This phased relaunch allows Coinbase to test trading and wallet services under regulatory oversight, positioning the company for a full trading launch with Indian rupees planned for 2026[1][3]. The move signifies a technically cautious re-entry into one of the fastest-growing crypto markets, aligning with India’s tightened regulatory framework while leveraging Coinbase’s global trading infrastructure.
🔄 Updated: 12/7/2025, 4:20:39 PM
Coinbase’s resumption of user sign-ups in India and plans to launch rupee trading in 2026 have drawn significant global attention, signaling a major advance in the crypto exchange’s international expansion strategy. With over 100 million estimated crypto users in India, Coinbase’s re-entry aligns with its registration with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in March 2025, reflecting a more regulated and compliant approach that has been welcomed by global markets[1][3][5]. Industry leaders highlight India’s growing role as a blockchain hub, with John O'Loghlen, Coinbase’s Asia-Pacific managing director, stating, “India’s developer community and entrepreneurial energy are unmatched,” underscoring the potential for India to become a global innovation powerhous
🔄 Updated: 12/7/2025, 4:30:43 PM
Consumer and public reaction to Coinbase’s resumption of user sign-ups in India and plans for rupee trading launch in 2026 has been cautiously optimistic. Early access invites have generated excitement among Indian crypto enthusiasts, with Coinbase messaging users, “We remember your early interest in Coinbase India, and we are thrilled to finally welcome you”[2]. However, the phased rollout approach signals Coinbase's intent to build trust and ensure regulatory compliance, addressing past concerns from the 2023 withdrawal due to regulatory challenges[1][4]. With over 100 million estimated crypto users in India, the community is watching closely as Coinbase aims for a full comeback, reflecting hope mixed with prudence about regulatory clarity and tax burdens[1].
🔄 Updated: 12/7/2025, 4:40:39 PM
Coinbase’s resumption of user sign-ups in India and its plan to launch rupee-denominated trading by 2026 have been welcomed by industry experts as a positive sign of regulatory clarity and market potential. Analysts note that Coinbase’s registration with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and compliance with anti-money laundering rules position it strongly among global players returning to India’s fast-growing crypto market, which has seen spot volumes exceed $5 billion in 2025 alone[1][3]. However, some experts caution that Coinbase’s phased approach, starting with early access, reflects the ongoing challenges in navigating India’s evolving regulatory landscape, emphasizing the need for sustained compliance to rebuild user trust after previous service suspensions[4].
🔄 Updated: 12/7/2025, 4:50:38 PM
Coinbase has resumed user sign-ups in India following its registration with the country’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in March 2025, which approved the exchange to operate as a registered reporting entity compliant with anti-money laundering regulations[1][2][4]. This regulatory approval, which came after Coinbase paid penalties for prior non-compliance similar to other exchanges like Binance, reflects India’s evolving crypto framework encouraging registered platforms[1][2]. Coinbase’s regional director John O’Loghlen emphasized their commitment to full compliance and collaboration with Indian regulators, aligning with plans to launch rupee-based trading by 2026[2][4].
🔄 Updated: 12/7/2025, 5:00:51 PM
Coinbase has resumed user sign-ups in India through an early access program launched on October 3, 2025, following its registration with India's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in March 2025, which ensures compliance with anti-money laundering regulations[1][4]. This phased relaunch includes initial trading capabilities and wallet services, with a full rupee-based trading launch planned for 2026, positioning Coinbase to capture a significant share in India's rapidly growing crypto market while adhering to stricter regulatory standards[1][3]. The move reflects a technically cautious approach, leveraging FIU registration to mitigate regulatory risks and integrating localized payment infrastructure to support INR trading, marking a robust foundation for scalable operations in India.
🔄 Updated: 12/7/2025, 5:10:45 PM
Coinbase has resumed user sign-ups in India following its registration with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in March 2025, which ensures compliance with anti-money laundering regulations, a key government requirement[1][2][4]. The FIU registration marks a regulatory milestone allowing Coinbase to operate legally and aligns with the Indian government’s stricter stance on crypto exchanges, as evidenced by actions against 25 non-compliant offshore platforms[1]. Coinbase plans to launch full rupee-based trading in 2026, contingent on continued regulatory approval and adherence to local laws[1][4].
🔄 Updated: 12/7/2025, 5:20:44 PM
Coinbase has resumed user sign-ups in India following its Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) registration in March 2025, initiating an early access program from October 3, 2025, for select users as part of its phased re-entry into the Indian market[1][2][3]. The company plans to launch full rupee trading and fiat on-ramp services by 2026, marking a strategic return to one of the fastest-growing crypto markets with commitments to regulatory compliance and local AML frameworks[1][5][8]. John O'Loghlen, Coinbase’s APAC Regional Managing Director, emphasized the significance of India as "one of the most exciting market opportunities in the world today," reflecting Coinbase’s renewed investment focus ahead o
🔄 Updated: 12/7/2025, 5:30:50 PM
Coinbase resumed user sign-ups in India after securing registration with the country's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), a key regulatory approval that enables it to operate in full compliance with local laws aimed at preventing financial crimes and money laundering[1][2][5]. This milestone follows India's regulatory emphasis on compliance, exemplified by Binance's earlier $2.25 million fine for violations before resuming operations[1]. Coinbase's regional managing director, John O'Loghlen, underscored the importance of this regulatory cooperation, stating, "We’re proud to deepen our investment here in full compliance with local regulations"[1][5].
🔄 Updated: 12/7/2025, 5:40:42 PM
Experts view Coinbase’s return to India, starting with early user sign-ups following March 2025 FIU registration, as a strategic move to capture one of the fastest-growing crypto markets amid tightening regulations[1][4]. Industry analysts highlight Coinbase’s phased approach—initially focusing on compliance and limited access—as prudent, especially given RBI’s previous informal pressure and setbacks like the 2022 UPI service suspension[3][5]. Crypto experts note that Coinbase’s plan to launch full rupee trading in 2026 aligns with India’s evolving regulatory framework and growing retail interest, with expectations that the exchange will offer secure, regulated services comparable to global peers that recently resumed India operations after FIU approval[1][4][6].
🔄 Updated: 12/7/2025, 5:50:43 PM
Coinbase's resumption of user sign-ups in India and planned launch of rupee trading in 2026 significantly intensifies competition in the country's crypto exchange market, where global giants like Binance and Bybit have already resumed operations after FIU registration. Having secured Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) approval in March 2025, Coinbase’s re-entry follows a regulatory thaw that pressures both international and domestic players to upgrade compliance and offerings, with Binance notably paying a ₹188 crore fine yet maintaining dominance[1][5][7]. John O'Loghlen, Coinbase's APAC Director, emphasized India's market as "one of the most exciting opportunities," indicating Coinbase's strategic intent to challenge incumbents through deepened investments and retail servic
🔄 Updated: 12/7/2025, 6:00:51 PM
Coinbase has resumed user sign-ups in India through an early access program after securing registration with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in March 2025, ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering regulations[1][4][7]. The company is testing limited trading and wallet services ahead of a broader launch, with plans to introduce rupee-based trading in 2026, signaling a technical integration of local payment rails and regulatory frameworks to support deeper market penetration[1][3]. This phased and compliant approach positions Coinbase to compete with established players like Binance, leveraging India's growing crypto adoption while navigating stringent oversight[1][4].
🔄 Updated: 12/7/2025, 6:10:43 PM
Coinbase's resumption of user sign-ups in India and planned rupee trading launch in 2026 significantly intensifies competition in one of the world's fastest-growing crypto markets. Following its March 2025 registration with India's Financial Intelligence Unit, Coinbase joins major players like Binance and Bybit who have already resumed services after regulatory compliance, collectively raising the bar for operational transparency and AML adherence. John O'Loghlen, Coinbase's APAC Director, emphasized the company's commitment to "full compliance with local regulations," signaling a more regulated market environment that pressures domestic exchanges to upgrade features and enhance user offerings[1][6][8].
🔄 Updated: 12/7/2025, 6:20:41 PM
Coinbase has resumed user sign-ups in India as part of an early access program launched in October 2025, following its registration with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in March 2025 to meet regulatory compliance[1][7]. The company plans to fully launch rupee trading and retail crypto services in India by 2026, with John O'Loghlen, Coinbase’s APAC Managing Director, stating, "India represents one of the most exciting market opportunities in the world today"[7]. This re-entry comes amid a regulatory easing that has also allowed competitors like Binance to resume India operations.
🔄 Updated: 12/7/2025, 6:30:47 PM
Coinbase’s resumption of user sign-ups and planned launch of rupee-based trading in 2026 intensifies competition in India’s crypto exchange market, challenging established players like Binance and Bybit who have already resumed operations following FIU registration. With Coinbase entering as a fully compliant FIU-registered entity, it brings significant global liquidity and fresh competitive pressure to domestic exchanges, driving upgrades in user features and services across the industry[1][5][7]. John O'Loghlen, Coinbase’s APAC Managing Director, highlighted India as “one of the most exciting market opportunities” as the company deepens its local investment and service offerings[7].