After a three-year suspension, US-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has resumed operations in India, starting with an early access program for select users. The relaunch, confirmed on October 3, 2025, follows Coinbase’s registration with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in March 2025, enabling compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. For crypto traders, investors, and fintech observers searching Coinbase India relaunch early access, Coinbase FIU registration 2025, or crypto exchanges India return, this move positions Coinbase to re-enter one of the world’s fastest-growing digital asset markets, where user interest remains high despite recent FIU actions against 25 non-compliant offshore platforms. The company’s website now features a “Namaste, India” message inviting users to sign up for notifications on full launch, with initial access focused on trading and tools like Base. This comes amid a regulatory thaw, as global players like Binance and Bybit have also resumed services post-registration.
Coinbase’s return aligns with India’s crypto adoption surge, but full operations depend on ongoing compliance.
Relaunch Details: Early Access and Regulatory Compliance
Coinbase initially launched in India in April 2022 but suspended services later that year due to regulatory pressures from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The 2025 relaunch is contingent on FIU approval, which Coinbase secured in March, allowing it to offer trading services as a registered reporting entity.
- Early Access Program: Select users can now register and access basic features, with notifications for the full rollout expected soon. The platform supports UPI integration for seamless fiat on-ramps.
- FIU Compliance: Registration addresses AML requirements, including KYC and transaction reporting. Coinbase paid penalties for prior non-compliance, similar to Binance.
- Timeline: Beta testing begins immediately; full public access targeted for Q4 2025, pending final approvals.
John O’Loghlen, Coinbase’s Regional Managing Director for APAC, stated: “India’s developer community and entrepreneurial energy are unmatched… We aim to empower a new generation of builders to innovate locally and scale globally.”
| Milestone | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Launch | April 2022 | UPI Support Introduced |
| Suspension | Late 2022 | Regulatory Pressure |
| FIU Registration | March 2025 | AML Compliance Achieved |
| Early Access | October 3, 2025 | Select Users Onboarded |
| Full Rollout | Q4 2025 | Pending Final Approvals |
Market Context: India’s Crypto Landscape and FIU Crackdown
India’s crypto market, valued at over $10 billion in trading volume, has seen explosive growth, with 20 million users despite a 30% tax on gains. The FIU’s September 2025 list of 25 blacklisted offshore exchanges—freezing $9 billion in assets—has cleared the path for compliant players like Coinbase.
- Competitive Edge: Coinbase joins Binance, Bybit, and CoinDCX, offering advanced tools like Base (Layer-2 for low-fee trades).
- User Sentiment: Recent hacks at WazirX and CoinDCX have heightened caution, but Coinbase’s security reputation could attract users.
- Regulatory Environment: The FIU’s actions emphasize compliance, with non-registered platforms facing app/URL blocks.
Implications: Boost for India’s Crypto Ecosystem
Coinbase’s return could:
- Enhance Competition: Introduce more options, potentially lowering fees and improving security.
- Drive Adoption: Attract institutional and retail investors with global standards.
- Regulatory Clarity: Reinforce FIU’s role in fostering a compliant market.
Conclusion: Coinbase’s Timely India Comeback
Coinbase’s India relaunch with early access after FIU registration is a strategic re-entry into a vibrant market, amid crackdowns on non-compliant rivals. As beta users onboard, it promises innovation and security. For Indian traders, it’s a welcome addition—will it spark a crypto resurgence? The wallets wait. inc42
