RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra reaffirmed India’s cautious stance on cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, stressing cost-benefit trade-offs in regulation. He emphasized coordination with regulators, jurisdictional respect, and warned that forebearance must remain exceptional. The approach highlights India’s preference for gradual, balanced reforms while prioritizing financial stability and consumer protection.
India’s central bank governor, Sanjay Malhotra, has reiterated the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) cautious stance on cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, emphasizing the need for a measured regulatory approach. Speaking at a press briefing, Malhotra highlighted that while innovation in financial technology is welcome, regulators must carefully weigh the cost-benefit trade-offs before announcing new rules.
Key Highlights
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Crypto & Stablecoins: RBI is adopting a guarded approach, citing risks to financial stability and consumer protection.
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Regulatory Balance: Malhotra stressed that forebearance should not substitute for addressing underlying problems, and must remain exceptional rather than routine.
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Coordination: The RBI is working to strengthen coordination with other regulators, while respecting jurisdictional boundaries to avoid overlap and ensure clarity.
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Policy Outlook: The governor underscored that regulations must be pragmatic and forward-looking, balancing innovation with systemic safeguards.
This statement reflects India’s ongoing effort to navigate the complex landscape of digital assets, while simultaneously advancing its own central bank digital currency (CBDC). Analysts believe the RBI’s cautious tone signals a preference for gradual, well-calibrated reforms rather than rapid liberalization.
Sources: Reuters, Yahoo Finance, Business Standard