Coinbase expands into India, impacting Bitcoin and XRP prices

Coinbase's recent permission to operate in India could enhance capital inflows for Bitcoin and XRP, creating new opportunities for investors. However, significant price changes in these assets may take time to materialize.

Date: 18-03-2025

AI Rating: 6

Overview of Coinbase's Move in India
Coinbase Global has received permission from India's Financial Intelligence Unit to start a registration process to offer cryptocurrency investments in the country. This development is significant as Coinbase previously halted its operations in India in 2022 due to regulatory challenges. The entry into India positions Coinbase to tap into a large and growing crypto market. Currently, this market is estimated at $2.6 billion, with forecasts predicting 18% annual growth for the next eight years.

Impact on Bitcoin and XRP
There are strong reasons to believe that both Bitcoin and XRP could benefit from this expansion. India's inflation rate is notably higher than the average, which may push individuals to consider Bitcoin as a stable alternative for saving. For XRP, many Indian individuals working abroad send remittance payments home, frequently encountering high fees and long waiting periods. If they start using XRP for these transactions, it could streamline the process and reduce costs, thereby encouraging its use.

Long-Term Expectations
While Coinbase's entry into India is a bullish development, analysts caution that significant changes in Bitcoin and XRP prices are not expected to happen quickly due to their substantial market caps ($1.6 trillion for Bitcoin and over $135 billion for XRP). The influx of new investors may boost the market over time, but the impact might be gradual. Additionally, a 30% capital gains tax on crypto could deter participation in this growing market.

Conclusion
Investors should remain aware that although there are positive developments for Bitcoin and XRP due to Coinbase's actions, the influence on their prices may be slow to materialize. A strategic approach to investment in these assets should consider both current conditions and potential long-term gains, rather than immediate returns.

Stocks: COIN BTC XRP