Indian Cryptocurrency Platforms Adopt Survival Strategies to Extend Financial Runways

Indian cryptocurrency exchanges are taking a variety of actions to increase their financial profitability and maintain their longevity in the industry despite difficult conditions. These platforms are reviewing their alliances, renegotiating their contracts, putting cost-saving measures in place, looking into new revenue streams, and undertaking rebranding activities in an effort to reduce expenses and maintain operations.

On February 1, 2022, the government enacted strict tax laws, including a 30% tax on cryptocurrency income and a contentious 1% tax deduction at source (TDS) on all transactions, raising fears about the future of India’s crypto exchanges. Trading volumes significantly decreased as a result of the adoption of these levies and the accompanying “shadow ban” that cut off banking access to cryptocurrency exchanges.

Trading volumes plunged and regional payment processors severed relations with exchanges within a few weeks, signaling the beginning of a crypto “brain drain.” Enforcement agencies also started looking into a number of exchanges for their potential involvement in cryptocurrency-based money laundering schemes. Industry titans like Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao, who predicted that India’s tax laws may ultimately “kill the industry” in the nation, brought attention to these events on a worldwide scale.

Data showed that India’s crypto traffic continued to fall during 2023, which caused a significant transfer in trade volumes from domestic to foreign exchanges, amounting to approximately $3.8 billion. India has prioritized the creation of internationally coordinated regulations for the cryptocurrency industry as it prepares to lead the Group of 20 (G-20) in 2023. In order to achieve this goal, experts advise conforming to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations on virtual assets, which include Indian cryptocurrency enterprises under anti-money laundering regulations.

With the introduction of regulatory control and an increase in sector legitimacy brought about by this regulatory evolution, Indian exchanges are cautiously optimistic about the future. Exchanges must take precautions to protect their business operations because the effects of the unchanged tax regime are yet unknown.

According to reports from within the sector, Indian cryptocurrency exchanges are using a variety of techniques to increase their financial runways and get around the difficult environment. The latest series D funding from CoinDCX will be used to expand its product line, spur technological advancement, and engage policymakers through advocacy activities.

Despite challenges, WazirX, the largest exchange by trading volume, maintains a 21-month runway by renegotiating contracts and keeping its attention on the cryptocurrency sector. To better serve its enormous user base, CoinSwitch has changed its name to a cryptocurrency investment platform, placing an emphasis on expenditure management and providing a variety of investment possibilities.

ZebPay concentrates on user growth and lending value while having a Singapore-based subsidiary as back up assistance. While Giottus places an emphasis on operational quality and lowering perceived risks by giving consumers with proof of reserves, BuyUCoin emphasizes global expansion despite firing staff. These exchanges work hard to maintain their positions in India’s cryptocurrency market.