Recently, popular cryptocurrency exchange Binance confirmed that its application, along with several other foreign-based exchange applications, has been removed from Apple’s App Store in India. Binance South Asia acknowledged the situation, stating that it is not unique to Binance and that the company remains committed to complying with local regulations and maintaining a dialogue with regulators worldwide. Although the removal affects several exchanges, Binance assured its existing app users that they would remain unaffected and pledged to work with regulators to resolve the issue.
The removal of these crypto-related applications from Apple’s App Store aligns with the company’s strict position on cryptocurrencies. In the past, both Coinbase Wallet and Trust Wallet were briefly unavailable on the platform before being reinstated. Uniswap also faced challenges in obtaining a listing on Apple’s App Store until April 2023. These instances illustrate Apple’s cautious approach toward cryptocurrencies and the associated regulatory concerns.
Ashish Singhal, the co-founder and chief executive of local crypto exchange platform CoinSwitch, attributed the removal of these applications to a show cause notice issued by India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to several offshore crypto trading platforms in December of last year. The FIU cited non-compliance with India’s Prevention of Money Laundering (PML) Act by these crypto firms and expressed concern about the lack of registration under the necessary regulatory frameworks for offshore entities serving a significant portion of Indian users.
As a response, the FIU urged India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to block the URLs of these non-compliant firms. Singhal advised the impacted exchanges to prioritize compliance with local regulations to ensure the protection of their Indian users. He emphasized the importance of offshore exchanges actively registering with the FIU-IND and complying with India’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT) measures. By doing so, there would be greater regulatory oversight of the ecosystem, providing increased consumer protection in India.
In light of the removal of crypto apps from the Indian App Store, exchanges are urged to engage in open dialogue and collaboration with regulators to ensure the continued availability of their services. Binance’s commitment to complying with local regulations and their willingness to work with regulators demonstrates their dedication to operating within the legal framework.
It remains essential for crypto exchanges to adapt to evolving regulatory requirements to protect users and maintain the integrity of the cryptocurrency ecosystem. As the industry expands, regulators are becoming increasingly vigilant in enforcing compliance measures. Exchanges must prioritize regulatory compliance, transparency, and consumer protection to foster trust and ensure the long-term sustainability of the cryptocurrency market.
The removal of crypto exchanges’ applications from Apple’s App Store in India underscores the need for compliance with local regulations. The FIU’s efforts to enforce anti-money laundering measures and the prevention of financial crimes reflect the growing regulatory scrutiny in the crypto space. By actively engaging with regulators and adhering to regulatory frameworks, crypto exchanges can safeguard the interests of their users and contribute to the development of a secure and trustworthy cryptocurrency ecosystem in India.
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