India aims to develop crypto SOPs during G20 presidency — Finance minister

Sitharaman has previously called for global collaboration to decide on crypto's future and has been cautious against mainstream crypto adoption citing risks to financial stability.

The finance minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman, revealed India’s plan to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cryptocurrencies during its G20 presidency, from Dec. 1, 2022, to Nov. 30, 2023.

Sitharaman has previously called for global collaboration to decide on crypto’s future and has been cautious against mainstream crypto adoption, citing risks to financial stability. However, speaking to local Indian reporters on Oct. 15, she confirmed, “That (crypto) will also be part of India's thing (agenda during G20 presidency).”

The G20, or Group of Twenty, is a global forum for addressing the major issues related to the global economy. According to Sitharaman, no country can alone effectively handle or regulate crypto, adding that:

“But if it’s a question of platforms, trading of assets which have been created, buying and selling making profits and, more importantly in all, these countries are in a position to understand the money trade, are we in a position to establish for what purpose it’s being used?”

Sitharaman further highlighted the use of crypto assets in money laundering as detected by India’s law enforcement agency, Enforcement Directorate.

She further added that members of the G20 have also acknowledged the same concerns while reiterating the need for the participation of all countries when it comes to effectively regulating crypto assets.

Related: Polygon powers India police complaint portal, battling corruption

On Oct. 7, the Reserve Bank of India released a list of proposed features and reasoning behind its in-development central bank digital currency (CBDC).

The 51-page document summarizes key motivations for the issuance of the digital rupee, which include trust, safety, liquidity, settlement finality and integrity. Some of the biggest motivations for India’s digital currency are reduced operational costs and improved financial inclusion.