India G20 confirms ‘active discussions’ around global crypto framework

Sitharaman said crypto was a “threat as well as an opportunity” while confirming that G20 members are working toward establishing a global crypto framework.

Under India’s Group of 20 (G20) presidency, active discussions around establishing a global framework for cryptocurrencies are underway, India’s Minister of Finance, Nirmala Sitharaman, said. 

On Aug. 28, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pushed for global collaboration on formulating crypto regulations among G20 member states, which include 19 countries and the European Union. Modi believes that emerging technologies — like cryptocurrencies — with a global impact should be accompanied by regulations and a framework that is adhered to globally.

Sitharaman confirmed that G20 members are working toward establishing a global crypto framework during the Global Fintech Fest on Sept. 5.

During the summit, Sitharaman said crypto was a “threat as well as an opportunity.” She highlighted the need for global cooperation to build a responsible financial ecosystem that can effectively help regulate cryptocurrencies worldwide. “Global cooperation is absolutely critical,” she added.

“In an interconnected world, financial technology transcends borders, therefore making cross-border partnerships absolutely crucial.”

Since India took over the G20 presidency in Q4 of 2022, the country has consistently highlighted the need for global collaboration when it comes to financial security and stability. However, the finance minister confirmed that G20 members are working together on highly anticipated crypto regulations.

“India’s [G20] presidency has laid out issues related to regulating or understanding that there should be a framework for handling issues related to crypto assets. Active discussions are happening; content-rich papers from institutions like IMF, FSB, OECD are all being discussed on various issues.”

Sitharaman also confirmed that the International Monetary Fund and the Financial Stability Board have submitted synthesis papers on cryptocurrency.

Related: India makes suggestions for G20 crypto roadmap

India’s rising interest in blockchain and crypto becomes more evident after the National Payments Corporation of India’s (NPCI) recent job posting. NPCI, an initiative led by the Reserve Bank of India and 247 Indian banking companies, is looking to hire a head of blockchain.

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned technologist with at least six years of experience in developing and implementing blockchain, who will be primarily tasked with identifying “avenues wherever blockchain-driven solutions can be used.”

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