‘Threat not diminished’: Why is India’s RBI ramping up crypto warnings?
India's Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reiterated strong opposition to cryptocurrency legalization, warning a parliamentary committee that virtual digital assets (VDAs) like Bitcoin pose serious risks to financial stability and can facilitate illegal activities. The RBI argues that crypto operates outside the traditional banking system and is difficult to regulate, especially with many service providers based overseas. In contrast, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) advocates for a comprehensive regulatory framework rather than a ban, proposing to develop accounting and compliance standards for VDAs. This debate occurs as India taxes crypto transactions without granting them legal status, with the 2026 budget proposing stricter compliance rules. The warnings come amid data showing a slowdown in retail crypto trading and a record number of security breaches in the first half of 2026, although total theft losses decreased. Industry experts note the underlying threats have become more sophisticated, contributing to a challenging year for crypto marked by regulatory uncertainty and reduced retail participation.
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