finpeel Answers · India · updated 2026-08-14
India does not operate a single prudential crypto-exchange licence comparable to VARA. Virtual Digital Asset service providers within the specified PMLA perimeter must register with FIU-IND as reporting entities and comply with AML/CFT obligations, while other tax, foreign-exchange and general laws can also apply.
FIU registration is an AML/CFT registration, not a blanket statement that the exchange is licensed like a bank, broker or payment system operator.
If a crypto platform also provides regulated payment, securities or lending services, RBI or SEBI permissions may be triggered separately by those functions.
Regulator: Financial Intelligence Unit–India (FIU-IND) plus other competent authorities by activity
Primary sources: FIU-IND — VDA Service Provider Registration / AML-CFT Framework
Directional — not legal advice. Verify with the regulator before committing.
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