Just-In: Indian FinMin Bashes Crypto Over Money Laundering, Terrorism Risks
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reiterated her strict approach to crypto at an International Monetary Fund (IMF) meet in Washington D.C. on Monday.
The finance minister bashed crypto for its money laundering risks and potential use in financing terrorist groups, and called for a globally coordinated approach to crypto regulation.
Sitharaman also touted the benefits of using central bank digital currencies over crypto. Her comments come just weeks after India imposed a steep 30% tax on digital assets- a move intended to dissuade investors from trading crypto.
Indian Finance Minister Raises Crypto Concerns
During the “Money at a Crossroad” panel discussion of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Sitharaman raised concerns over the unregulated crypto market, use of cryptocurrencies in money laundering, and financing terrorist organizations.
She said cross-border payments using unhosted crypto wallets pose a risk and require a global regulated approach by countries. However, central bank digital currencies by central banks will effectively improve cross-border payments. She said:
“I think regulation using technology is the only answer. Regulation using technology will have to be so adept, that it has to be not behind the curve, but be sure that it is on the top of it. And that’s not possible. If any one country thinks that it can handle it. It has to be across the board.”
Furthermore, the Indian Finance Minister stressed on the increasing digital adoption rate in India. In fact, 1 in 4 startups in the fintech industry are becoming unicorns, with a total of 20 unicorns belonging to fintech in the last 2-3 years.
The panel discussion also featured panelists including Kristalina Georgieva, managing director at IMF, Roberto Campos Neto, president of the Central Bank of Brazil, and Ravi Menon, managing director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Indian crypto laws confound exchanges, investors
After several crypto exchanges began accepting UPI as a payment option in early April, India’s payments regulator said it was unaware of such an approval.
As a result, several crypto exchanges in India such as Coinbase, CoinDCX, and WazirX stopped accepting crypto payments using UPI.
Confusion over the payment system, coupled with a steep 30% tax on digital assets spurred a sharp decline in India’s crypto trading volumes in April.
- ProShares Files for Index Crypto ETF Tracking Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana
- Trump Says Meeting with China May Not Happen, Bitcoin Drops
- The Great Rotation? Bitcoin Rises as Gold Sees Largest Daily Drop Since 2013
- Crypto Czar David Sacks to Meet Senate Republicans In Bid To Advance Market Structure Bill
- Waller Floats ‘Payment Account’ Framework to Provide Crypto Firms Access To Fed’s Payment Rails
- Chainlink Price Eyes $27 Rebound as Whales Accumulate 54M LINK
- Pi Network Price Wedge Signals a Rebound as Key Upgrades Raise Utility Hopes
- Solana Price Eyes $240 Recovery as Gemini Launches SOL-Reward Credit Card
- XRP Price Prediction Amid Evernorth’s $1B XRP Treasury Plan – Can XRP Hit $5?
- Ethereum Price Targets $8K Amid John Bollinger’s ‘W’ Bottom Signal and VanEck Staked ETF Filing
- Pi Coin Price Eyes 50% Upswing As AI-Powered App Studio Update Ignites Optimism
Why Trust CoinGape
CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
