Indian bank to offer crypto services across its 34 branches

For the first time, Indians will be able to take out a loan against cryptocurrencies.

Indian bank United Multistate Credit Co. Operative Society is planning to expand its banking services to cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency products.

In collaboration with the crypto banking service provider Cashaa, United has established a joint venture dubbed UNICAS that aims to provide both online crypto banking services and walk-in services across its 34 physical branches in northern India.

This move by United and Cashaa comes amid India’s uncertain crypto regulations. While the Supreme Court of India took down the crypto banking ban put in place by the Reserve Bank of India in March, most banks are still skeptical of providing services to crypto companies and individuals dealing in digital currencies.

UNICAS will allow United account holders to integrate cryptocurrency wallets directly with their accounts. Customers will also be able to directly buy Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Ripple (XRP) and Cashaa (CAS) by paying either in cash or directly from their account. When UNICAS launches, United will also allow its customers to take out loans against cryptocurrencies.

Cryptocurrencies have seen significant adoption in India since the lockdown started in March. Many Indian cryptocurrency exchanges reported a spike in their crypto trading volume to the tune of 200% to 400%.

Kumar Gaurav, the chief executive of Cashaa, said that the increased interest in cryptocurrencies was a major reason for them to integrate cryptos into the legacy banking system. He said that UNICAS will help disseminate reliable information about cryptocurrencies to the mainstream Indian population and help further the adoption of cryptos in India. He also said that the addition of cryptocurrency services to a traditional bank will help India adopt a more digitized payment system.