India is considering a ban on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to prioritize the development of its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
As reported by CryptoDnes, regulators are concerned about the risks associated with private cryptocurrencies while promoting the safer digital rupee, currently in pilot testing since November 2022.
An anonymous official noted that the CBDC could offer similar benefits to cryptocurrencies but with better security. The government is consulting experts on the matter, who argue that CBDCs could enhance financial inclusion by enabling targeted fund distribution.
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das emphasized that the programmability of CBDCs could transform subsidy delivery and support various financial applications.
While no final decision has been made on the crypto ban, consultations are ongoing, influenced by the G20’s endorsement of stricter cryptocurrency regulations.
CoinDCX CEO Sumit Gupta responded to the CBDC versus crypto debate, asserting that both serve distinct purposes and can coexist to strengthen the financial ecosystem. He urged regulators to see the complementary roles of CBDCs and cryptocurrencies.
Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) is working on a proposal to amend existing financial laws, aiming to bring cryptocurrencies under the same regulatory framework as traditional financial instruments.
The U.S. Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has taken a significant step by revoking a previous directive that had suggested stricter oversight of digital asset derivatives.
European regulators are pushing for stricter capital requirements on insurers holding cryptocurrencies, marking a significant shift in the EU’s approach to digital assets.
A top official from China’s State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE), Li Bin, emphasized the agency’s commitment to strengthening its ability to track and analyze the influence of cryptocurrencies on capital movements.