Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has made a triumphant return to both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in India. The apps were removed on January 14, 2024, but as of today, August 15, 2024, they are back and ready for users to download.
Before this, Binance made a strong comeback in India as its website URL was unblocked on August 13, 2024. The return follows a settlement with Indian authorities, where Binance paid a $2.25 million penalty for violating anti-money laundering regulations.
By addressing these compliance issues and registering with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Binance has restored its services and regained access to one of the world’s largest crypto markets. This achievement marks Binance’s 19th global regulatory milestone.
CEO of Binance, Richard Teng commented, “Recognizing the vitality and potential of the Indian VDA market, this alignment with Indian regulations allows us to tailor our services to the needs of Indian users.”
Binance’s re-entry into the Indian market is significant. It shows the company’s commitment to adhering to local laws and regulations, a crucial factor in India’s tightly regulated crypto environment. The Indian government had previously blocked Binance and other exchanges like OKX and KuCoin for non-compliance with AML rules.
The return of Binance is expected to shake up the Indian crypto market. Local exchanges will need to enhance their compliance, user experience, and security to compete with the global giant. This increased competition could benefit Indian crypto users with more diverse services, better trading opportunities, and improved security.
Moreover, Binance’s return is likely to boost crypto adoption in India. As a major player re-establishes its presence, confidence in the legitimacy and security of crypto trading will grow. This could attract many new users, given India’s vast population and growing interest in digital currencies.
Binance’s reinstatement on the Google Play Store marks a new chapter in India’s crypto landscape. By overcoming regulatory challenges and demonstrating a commitment to compliance, Binance sets a positive example for the industry.
This move not only benefits Binance but also paves the way for a more secure and regulated crypto market in India and beyond.