RBI Is Not In Favour Of Cryptocurrencies; Truth Or Myth?

The cryptocurrency market in India has grown rapidly in recent years, drawing millions of retail investors and creating a parallel ecosystem of exchanges, custodians, and blockchain innovators. Yet, its future remains uncertain due to the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework. 

Unlike traditional financial instruments, cryptocurrencies sit in a grey area, subject to taxation and anti-money laundering rules but lacking a dedicated law. This article explores India’s current regulatory stance, the role of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the challenges of stablecoins, global trends, and possible policy pathways.

Legal Status and Current Framework

Cryptocurrencies in India are not recognised as legal tender. They are neither officially banned nor fully accepted, existing in a legal twilight zone. In 2018, the RBI had attempted to restrict banks from facilitating crypto transactions, but the Supreme Court overturned the move in 2020. Since then, activity has resumed, albeit under tighter scrutiny.

Instead of drafting a new law, India has layered its regulation through existing statutes. The most notable of these is the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), under which crypto exchanges, wallet providers, and custodians must follow Know Your Customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering obligations. Income tax provisions have also been amended to define “Virtual Digital Assets” and levy a flat 30% tax on gains.

To better understand the instruments currently governing crypto, the following table outlines the main legal frameworks and their implications.

Regulatory Instruments in India’s Crypto Ecosystem
 

This layered framework shows India’s strategy of adapting existing laws instead of enacting a dedicated statute. While flexible, it leaves many gaps regarding asset classification, investor protection, and cross-border transactions.

Risks, Challenges, and the RBI’s View

Monetary Stability Concerns

The RBI remains sceptical of cryptocurrencies, arguing that they could undermine monetary sovereignty and complicate policy transmission. Widespread adoption of decentralised tokens could weaken the rupee’s role in the domestic economy and interfere with interest rate controls.

Investor Protection Risks

Crypto’s volatile nature exposes retail investors to sudden losses. Fraud, hacking, and exchange collapses also remain persistent threats. In recent years, regulators have penalised exchanges for failing to comply with reporting standards, signalling that enforcement will remain stringent.

Legal Ambiguity

India still lacks clear definitions for terms like “stablecoin” or criteria to classify tokens as securities or commodities. Without a licensing framework, exchanges operate in a compliance limbo, which hampers institutional adoption and creates uncertainty for startups.

Taxation Burden

The current tax regime imposes a flat 30% tax on gains and a 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on transactions above a threshold. This reduces liquidity and has pushed many traders to overseas platforms. In the future, India also plans to adopt international tax-reporting standards to monitor offshore holdings of Indian residents.

Cross-Border Complexities

Stablecoins pose unique challenges. Their reliance on foreign currencies, especially the U.S. dollar, raises concerns that they could displace the rupee in remittances and digital payments. At present, India has not licensed any private stablecoin issuance, leaving conversions from rupees to such tokens in a regulatory vacuum.

Global Trends and India’s Competitive Position

Stablecoin Regulations Abroad

Several advanced economies are introducing specific laws for stablecoins, requiring issuers to maintain adequate reserves and undergo regular audits. These frameworks create certainty for businesses and build trust among investors.

India, by contrast, has opted for a cautious approach. Some experts argue that a rupee-pegged stablecoin, backed by government securities, could support cross-border remittances and strengthen India’s position as a fintech innovator.

The Digital Rupee (CBDC)

India has already launched pilots of its central bank digital currency, known as the digital rupee (e₹). Retail and wholesale versions are being tested in different settings. While not a replacement for private cryptocurrencies, the CBDC offers a state-backed alternative, potentially reducing the demand for unregulated tokens.

Investor Exposure

Indian investors currently hold billions of dollars’ worth of crypto assets, with participation growing despite high taxation. This exposure is small relative to the overall financial system but cannot be ignored. The combination of young demographics, increasing internet penetration, and digital payment adoption makes India a fertile ground for crypto innovation if supported by clear regulations.

Comparative Postures

Globally, nations range from outright bans to full licensing regimes. India’s middle path — neither ban nor full endorsement — gives flexibility but risks falling behind more progressive jurisdictions that attract investment and talent.

Comparative Regulatory Approaches
 

This comparison highlights how India’s fragmented system may ensure caution, but it also risks discouraging innovation if not aligned with global practices.

The Way Forward
 

1. Dedicated Legislation
   A specific law could clarify definitions, licensing criteria, custody norms, and investor protection mechanisms.
    
2. Tiered Stablecoin Oversight
   Smaller issuers could be allowed under lighter rules, while large issuers would need strict reserves and audits.
    
3. Integration with Financial Regulators
   Different regulators like SEBI, RBI, and IRDA could oversee crypto instruments that mirror securities, banking, or insurance.
    
4. Enforcement Strengthening
   Regulators must continue penalising non-compliant operators, while improving cyber-security and audit requirements.
    
5. Innovation Sandboxes
   Controlled pilots with rupee-backed stablecoins or tokenised assets could help test viability without exposing the system to systemic risks.
    
6. Global Alignment
   Harmonising with international standards, such as OECD’s reporting framework, would ensure cross-border transparency and tax compliance.
    
7. Investor Education
   Awareness campaigns are crucial to protect retail participants from fraud and speculative excesses.

Conclusion

India’s approach to cryptocurrencies remains cautious, built around existing laws rather than a comprehensive framework. While this incremental strategy provides flexibility, it leaves gaps that create uncertainty for investors and innovators. The RBI continues to emphasise risks to monetary stability, while global momentum is shifting towards structured stablecoin regulation and comprehensive crypto laws.

To remain competitive, India will need to move beyond fragmented oversight and create a balanced framework that encourages innovation while safeguarding financial stability. A clear path forward — combining dedicated laws, strong enforcement, sandbox experimentation, and investor education — could allow India to harness the benefits of blockchain technologies without compromising its regulatory and monetary objectives.

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