India orders crypto exchanges to halt privacy coins like Monero and Zcash as part of a wider AML enforcement push.
Author: Tanishq Bodh
January 24, 2025 – India has intensified oversight of digital assets as regulators push for stricter traceability across crypto markets. The move signals a wider shift toward compliance-first frameworks in 2026, even as global debates over on-chain privacy continue. In late January, Financial Intelligence Unit India directed registered exchanges to suspend activity in privacy-focused cryptocurrencies, citing elevated money laundering risks.
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On January 25, 2026, India’s FIU instructed all registered crypto exchanges to immediately stop deposits, withdrawals, and trading of privacy coins. The directive covers assets such as Monero, Zcash, and Dash.
The FIU classified these assets as “anonymity-enhancing cryptocurrencies.” Officials cited cryptographic features that obscure transaction details and limit regulatory visibility. Exchanges must now reflect the ban within their risk management frameworks. This may lead to full delistings.
Users can still hold privacy coins in self-custody wallets. However, transfers to regulated platforms will face restrictions. The order follows earlier actions, including the blocking of unregistered offshore exchanges in October 2025.
For Indian exchanges, the directive increases compliance pressure. Platforms such as Binance, CoinSwitch, and Mudrex must align operations with FIU expectations or risk penalties.
For users, access narrows. Trading privacy coins through compliant venues is no longer possible. Activity may shift toward decentralized exchanges or peer-to-peer channels, which regulators do not directly control.
For the broader market, the decision reinforces a trend. Regulators now prioritize traceability over absolute anonymity. This stance may support institutional adoption but challenges privacy-first crypto designs.
The move also raises a policy question. Bans often push activity off regulated rails. Some analysts argue this can strengthen decentralized privacy networks rather than eliminate demand.
India’s action mirrors global pressure on privacy coins. Dozens of exchanges delisted Monero during 2025. European regulators have outlined plans to restrict privacy-enhancing assets by 2027. In the United States, authorities have funded research to break privacy protocols.
Market reaction has been mixed. On January 25, Monero traded near $510, down modestly on the day. Zcash hovered around $367 with a slight gain. Dash fell close to 8 percent amid selling pressure.
Despite near-term volatility, privacy advocates expect continued use through decentralized tools. Meanwhile, India’s stance favors compliant assets and centralized platforms, which may accelerate mainstream crypto adoption domestically.
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