India's 'cryptocurrency spring' may give rise to new industry

Draft regulation bill likely to be submitted soon, setting off policy debate

20200819 Virtual currency india

India has seen numerous homegrown and foreign cryptocurrency businesses revive or start up from scratch after the Supreme Court ruled the government ban on cryptocurrency unconstitutional.

KEN KOYANAGI, Nikkei Asian Review Editor-at-large

TOKYO -- After India's Supreme Court reached a landmark decision in early March that essentially lifted a two-year-old ban on cryptocurrency transactions, the country has seen numerous homegrown and foreign cryptocurrency businesses revive or start up from scratch, like a spring awakening after a long period of hibernation.

But many of the entrepreneurs and investors are pushing ahead with their bets despite fears of another complete ban or severe restrictions on cryptocurrency trading, which bureaucrats and cabinet members are said to be discussing. Local media reports say the government aims to submit a bill to parliament before the November holiday season, which, when enacted, will regulate or possibly ban cryptocurrencies.

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