What if India bans circulation of cryptocurrency? What Zerodha founder says (2024)

Amid concerns over cryptocurrency, the government is set to introduce “The Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021" in the winter session of Parliament beginning 29 November for consideration and passing.

Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath took to Twitter to enquire about what will happen to cryptocurrency in circulation if the govt decides to ban it.

“Is the Indian govt banning cryptos? What happens to everything in circulation already?" the Zerodha co-founder tweeted.

Nikhil Kamath recently took to Twitter to voice some of his doubts over cryptocurrencies.

“The problem with bitcoins is that there are 1,000 different similar coins. If anyone can create currency, what's the point of currency. A 100 years ago if 20 of my 100 neighbours started their own currency, I would favour the one with the most muscle, ie govt, for me," Kamath had tweeted on 16 November.

He also mentioned that he is “no expert here, want to learn more", and invited relevant arguments and information.

What happens if the govt decides to ban cryptocurrency?

Well, if the government decides to ban cryptos, then the transactions between the bank and your crypto exchanges will be stopped. You will not be able to convert your local currency to buy any crypto. Also, you will not be able to get them encashed.

Currently, there is no regulation or any ban on the use of cryptocurrencies in the country. Notably, there have been a rising number of advertisem*nts, featuring even film stars, promising easy and high returns on investments in cryptocurrencies in recent times.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, last week, held a meeting on cryptocurrencies with senior officials and indications are that strong regulatory steps could be taken to deal with the issue.

The RBI has repeatedly reiterated its strong views against cryptocurrencies saying they pose serious threats to the macroeconomic and financial stability of the country and also doubted the number of investors trading on them as well as their claimed market value.

The Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021

The bill seeks "to create a facilitative framework for creation of the official digital currency to be issued by the Reserve Bank of India". The bill also seeks to prohibit all private cryptocurrencies in India but it allows for certain exceptions to promote the underlying technology of cryptocurrency and its uses.

Bitcoin

Originally started with Bitcoin in 2008, there are currently hundreds of cryptocurrencies being traded on private exchanges internationally, including India. Due to its stratospheric rise, Bitcoin is considered the best investment of the last decade. Originally priced at around 10 cent, the coin was being traded at over $60,000 till last week.

Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!

Catch all the Business News, Market News, Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.

MoreLess

Published: 24 Nov 2021, 06:46 AM IST

What if India bans circulation of cryptocurrency? What Zerodha founder says (2024)

FAQs

What if India bans circulation of cryptocurrency? What Zerodha founder says? ›

“Is the Indian govt banning cryptos? What happens to everything in circulation already?" the Zerodha co-founder tweeted. Nikhil Kamath recently took to Twitter to voice some of his doubts over cryptocurrencies. “The problem with bitcoins is that there are 1,000 different similar coins.

What will happen if crypto is banned in India? ›

Well, in that case, you can always send your acquired crypto, and get the equivalent INR in your bank. However, this procedure of exit would come at a cost. The foreign exchange cost and penalties would cost you more than the actual exchange fees, had there been no ban in your own country.

What will happen if crypto is banned? ›

People will not find legal ways to trade Bitcoins. An underground market will start to operate. Most of the exchanges will be decentralised i.e. it will be out of control of any government's jurisdiction. People will now use underground markets to sell and buy goods via Bitcoins.

Does Zerodha support cryptocurrency? ›

1. **Low fees**: Zerodha offers low fees and commissions for trading, which can help you save money and increase your profits. 2. **Wide range of cryptocurrencies**: Zerodha offers trading in a variety of cryptocurrencies, including popular coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

What is the Indian Govt rule on crypto? ›

Gains made from trading cryptocurrencies are taxed at a rate of 30% (plus 4% cess) according to Section 115BBH. Section 194S levies 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on the transfer of crypto assets from July 01, 2022, if the transactions exceed ₹50,000 (or even ₹10,000 in some cases) in the same financial year.

What if Binance gets banned in India? ›

This restricts direct access, but users can still potentially access Binance through virtual private networks (VPNs). Reason for Ban: The Indian government is concerned about non-compliance with anti-money laundering regulations by Binance. There's no official word on whether the ban will be permanent.

Is Coinbase banned in India? ›

In Short. Coinbase launched in the country in April last year with an option to let users buy crypto via UPI. Days after the launch, the company was forced to shut down the UPI payment option due to the government's interference. Now, Coinbase is discontinuing services in India.

Which country has the most crypto investors? ›

Top 10 countries by crypto holders
  • India: Over 100 million people in India own cryptocurrencies, making it the country with the most cryptocurrency owners, according to Triple-A.
  • United States: China, Russia, Nigeria, and the EU are the next five countries with the most #BTC trading volume on exchanges.
Oct 21, 2023

Can the US ban Bitcoin? ›

Although there is nothing that can stop a government or central bank from banning Bitcoin (& a few have already done so), most would not go that far for two reasons: The Streisand effect. A ban on Bitcoin is difficult to enforce.

Why has China banned crypto? ›

The People's Bank of China argues that its ban on cryptocurrencies is to curtail financial crime and prevent economic instability. However, China's cryptocurrency ban comes amid fears that cryptocurrencies were facilitating capital flight from its markets, bypassing conventional restrictions.

Is my money safe with Zerodha? ›

Trading with Zerodha is safe. Like all registered stockbrokers, the company is regulated by SEBI guidelines. It is a member of BSE, NSE, MCX, and CDSL. It is audited by the exchanges regularly.

Is trading in Zerodha legal? ›

Yes, Zerodha is a legal stock broker in India. The company is registered with SEBI, CDSL, BSE, NSE & MCX and works under the guidelines laid by stock market regulatory bodies. There are no reports of legal violations by the company.

How does Zerodha make money from Coin? ›

Zerodha offers Coin as a free add-on to its customers. Zerodha doesn't take any commission from AMC or brokerage from customers. The only direct source of earning for Zerodha from Coin is the interest on the surplus funds lying for a few days in your trading account.

Why is crypto banned in India? ›

Cryptocurrency exchanges like Binance, Kraken, Kucoin and others were banned in India by the FIU. The Director FIU IND wrote to the Secretary of Meity to block these exchanges as they were illegally operating without following the provisions of the PML Act in India.

Is crypto banned in China? ›

While cryptocurrency is banned in mainland China and there are strict controls on capital movement across the border, people are still able to trade tokens such as bitcoin on crypto exchanges such as OKX and Binance, or through other over-the-counter channels.

What is the name of the Indian cryptocurrency? ›

The Crypto Indian Coin (CIC) is a fully decentralized cryptocurrency project belonging to the Crypto Indian platform. The project aims to provide customers with decentralized farming services, personalized financial solutions, staking pools, and various interest models and earning opportunities.

What is the future of cryptocurrency in India? ›

The future of cryptocurrency in India is heavily influenced by government regulations and the stance of regulatory bodies like the Reserve Bank of India. The government has introduced measures such as a 30% tax on crypto asset profits and the potential introduction of a digital rupee .

Are crypto illegal in India? ›

First off, owning and trading Bitcoin (and other cryptocurrencies) is legal in India. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) classifies cryptocurrencies as "virtual digital assets" (VDAs). This indicates recognition for tax purposes, but they are not considered legal tender.

Is a crypto ban feasible in India? ›

No, cryptocurrency is not banned in India in 2021. Let me elaborate, Recently, the government of India announced that it plans to introduce 'The Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021'.

Is it safe to invest in cryptocurrency in India? ›

Cryptocurrency is a safe investment or not? Like any other investment, cryptocurrency is not a risk-free investment. The market risks, cybersecurity risks and regulatory risks, as cryptocurrency is not issued or regulated by any central government authority in India.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Carlyn Walter

Last Updated:

Views: 5507

Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Carlyn Walter

Birthday: 1996-01-03

Address: Suite 452 40815 Denyse Extensions, Sengermouth, OR 42374

Phone: +8501809515404

Job: Manufacturing Technician

Hobby: Table tennis, Archery, Vacation, Metal detecting, Yo-yoing, Crocheting, Creative writing

Introduction: My name is Carlyn Walter, I am a lively, glamorous, healthy, clean, powerful, calm, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.