Recently, R. Gandhi, the former Deputy Governor at the Reserve Bank of India, went on the record, saying that cryptocurrencies should be treated as an asset or commodity. Such treatment would ensure that they are governed by existing laws and regulations for exchanges. Once this happens, Gandhi noted that “…automatically, people can start buying, selling and holding.” He also noted that regulators would be able to retrieve information on holdings for purposes of taxation.
“This is important for a few reasons. First, India is preparing to test out its own central bank digital currency, so it makes sense that they would take a look at how they regulate all digital assets before the launch. Second, India is a major power, which, until recently, has not been the friendliest towards cryptocurrencies, so this new approach should be a welcome change of direction for those involved in the industry. Finally, it’s also worth discussing when you consider how India has typically interacted with assets and wealth,” said Richard Gardner, CEO of Modulus, a US-based developer of ultra-high-performance trading and surveillance technology that powers global equities, derivatives, and digital asset exchanges.
“India has long been a country which has been loyal to both cash and gold. Those kinds of cultural attitudes, many hypothesize, may be the largest hurdles for CBDCs. Can you educate enough of the populace to move them from cash to a digital asset of any kind? Now, you have a big name with RBI ties saying that the country needs to re-evaluate how it deals with cryptocurrencies. That’s telling,” noted Gardner.
“I’ve long believed that the education component will be as important as the technological component. You can build the most secure, most convenient digital currency on the planet. But, if it isn’t widely used, then it really doesn’t matter. Particularly in countries with a loyalty to a cash economy, the educational aspect of a central bank digital currency could present problems,” Gardner said.
Modulus is known throughout the financial technology segment as a leader in the development of ultra-high frequency trading systems and blockchain technologies. Over the past twenty years, the company has built technology for the world’s most notable exchanges, with a client list which includes NASA, NASDAQ, Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Barclays, Siemens, Shell, Yahoo!, Microsoft, Cornell University, and the University of Chicago.
“If I’m looking to support a CBDC from the RBI, I’d begin the educational component now. According to surveys, cryptocurrency usage in India is up significantly over the past couple years. However, now is the time to work with stakeholders and give the citizenry peace of mind. They need to explain why a CBDC would benefit them, and, most importantly, let folks ask questions so they can feel comfortable with the transition. All that takes time,” said Gardner.
