Coinbase sets its sights on re-entering the Indian market

  • Coinbase disabled new user sign-ups in India in 2023 following regulatory roadblocks
  • Brian Armstrong, Coinbase’s CEO, said the platform faced “internal pressure” from India’s central bank
  • Binance resumed its operations in India last August after registering with the FIU

Crypto exchange Coinbase is looking at re-entering India after pausing its operations there more than a year ago.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the exchange is in discussion with authorities, including India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), reports Tech Crunch.

A company spokesperson said: “Coinbase is excited by the opportunities in the Indian market and intends to comply with applicable regulatory requirements.”

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In June 2023, Coinbase disabled new user sign-ups in India after failing to progress with local authorities after launching its exchange product.

In 2022, Coinbase stopped its United Payments Interface (UPI) system just three days after launching its product. Later, Brian Armstrong, Coinbase’s CEO, said it had received “informal pressure” from the country’s central bank to withdraw UPI payments.

Armstrong said during an earnings call, at the time, that there was “informal pressure from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which is kind of the Treasury equivalent there.”

While crypto trading isn’t illegal in India, lenders typically avoid doing business with crypto companies for fear of upsetting the RBI.

The move from Coinbase also comes at a time when crypto exchange Binance resumed its operations in India last August after registering with the FIU.

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Avalon Labs evaluating a Bitcoin-backed public debt fund

  • Avalon Labs is planning to introduce a Bitcoin-backed public fund under SEC Regulation A.
  • Avalon Labs aims to bridge traditional finance and crypto, expanding Bitcoin’s utility.
  • Avalon’s AVL token has been listed on Bybit, boosting liquidity and community governance.

Avalon Labs has decided to explore the uncharted territory of Bitcoin-backed lending products by leveraging SEC’s Regulation A framework.

Barely a day after Avalon Labs announced the listing of its native token, AVL, on Bybit’s Spot trading platform, the company has announced it is considering launching a Bitcoin-backed public fund under the SEC Regulation A.

The timing of this announcement coincides with a period of economic uncertainty, with rising inflation and evolving Federal Reserve policies influencing investor sentiment.

By providing a structured entry point into Bitcoin investment for retail investors, Avalon might just lower the entry barriers for traditional investors, thereby expanding Bitcoin’s utility and acceptance.

Expanding Bitcoin’s reach into traditional finance

Avalon Labs’ move is seen as an attempt to open the door for massive adoption of Bitcoin-backed products, making them accessible not just to crypto enthusiasts but also to traditional investors. The initiative aims to position Bitcoin (BTC) not just as a store of value but as a dynamic financial instrument capable of generating yield through DeFi opportunities.

By using Regulation A, often dubbed a “mini-IPO,” Avalon Labs seeks to bypass the complexities of a full SEC registration while ensuring compliance and transparency. This approach, commonly utilized by real estate investment trusts (REITs) and private funds, could provide a structured investment vehicle for retail investors, thus bridging the gap between traditional finance and the burgeoning crypto market.

Avalon’s native token AVL debuted on Bybit on February 12

Parallel to this financial exploration, Avalon Labs has also solidified its token ecosystem with the listing of AVL on Bybit. This move not only enhances liquidity but also introduces the token to a broader audience.

AVL serves as the governance token, enabling community-driven decision-making, while USDa, the Bitcoin-backed stablecoin, offers a stable, bank-independent currency for on-chain transactions.

The integration of AVL into Bybit’s platform, coupled with the potential launch of a public debt fund, underscores Avalon Labs’ strategic approach to expanding its footprint in the DeFi and traditional finance sectors.

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MEXC launches STORY (IP) launchpool & airdrop+, offering 68,500 IP & 50,000 USDT in bonuses

MEXC, the world’s leading cryptocurrency trading platform, has announced the launch of its Launchpool initiative in collaboration with the renowned blockchain project STORY (IP).

This initiative highlights the close partnership between MEXC and STORY, showcasing their joint efforts to expand the STORY network. By introducing two major events—a Launchpool featuring a 60,000 IP reward pool and an Airdrop+ offering 8,500 IP plus 50,000 USDT—this collaboration further accelerates the growth of the STORY network while driving innovation in the blockchain space.

MEXC Supports the STORY Network with the Launch of IP Launchpool

In the digital age, traditional intellectual property (IP) management faces growing challenges. Centralized platforms and complicated intermediaries often lead to inefficiencies, high costs, and trust issues for creators. As a Layer 1 blockchain built with Cosmos SDK, STORY combines DeFi and AI technologies to offer automated, transparent, and cost-effective IP management solutions. With full EVM compatibility and a modular architecture, STORY empowers creators to tokenize their IP assets, automate royalties, and simplify licensing processes. MEXC’s support of the STORY network highlights the growing importance of such innovations in blockchain. 

As a global leader in digital asset trading, MEXC consistently supports innovative blockchain projects. Its Launchpool initiative with STORY reaffirms this commitment. This collaboration not only strengthens the STORY ecosystem but also empowers global creators and developers to explore the potential of decentralized IP management. MEXC’s broad market coverage and strong liquidity offer the environment for blockchain projects like STORY to thrive and bring new possibilities to the digital economy. By allowing users to stake USDT, MX, and IP tokens to earn rewards, MEXC provides a platform for increased exposure and growth for STORY. Visit the STORY (IP) pre-market page to see this innovation in action.

Celebrate the IP Launchpool & Airdrop+ with a Prize Pool of 68,500 IP & 50,000 USDT

As a pioneer in the cryptocurrency industry, MEXC continues to foster innovation and support emerging blockchain ecosystems. MEXC is hosting two major STORY (IP) events: the Airdrop+ event, running from February 12, 2025, 10:00 (UTC) to February 26, 2025, 10:00 (UTC), featuring 8,500 IP plus 50,000 USDT in rewards, and the Launchpool, taking place from February 12, 2025, 10:00 (UTC) to February 15, 2025, 10:00 (UTC), with a 60,000 IP reward pool. These initiatives underscore MEXC’s ongoing commitment to advancing blockchain innovation and delivering valuable opportunities to the crypto community.

These activities include:

  • Event 1: IP Launchpool – Stake USDT, MX & IP to Share 60,000 IP
  • Event 2: Join Airdrop+ to Share 8,500 IP & 50,000 USDT bonus
    • Perk 1: Deposit and Share 5,600 IP (New User Exclusive).
    • Perk 2: Spot Challenge – Trade to Share 1,700 IP.
    • Perk 3: Futures Challenge – Trade to Share 50,000 USDT in Futures Bonuses.
    • Perk 4: Invite New Users and Share 1,200 IP.

MEXC continues to expand its market share in the centralized exchange space, leveraging its first-mover advantage in listing promising and valuable projects. As one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, with its commitment to innovation, user-centric approach, and strategic focus on early-stage token listings, MEXC remains at the forefront of the crypto industry, providing strong access to the rapidly growing blockchain ecosystem.

About MEXC

Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto”. Serving over 30 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, frequent airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.

MEXC Official Website| X | Telegram |How to Sign Up on MEXC

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