BitGo, a leading digital asset platform, is making moves to enter India’s booming cryptocurrency market. The company is in active talks with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) as it explores opportunities in the multibillion-dollar sector, according to BitGo COO Chen Fang. Speaking at India Blockchain Week, Fang highlighted the company’s interest in tapping into one of the world’s top crypto markets.

India ranks first in Chainalysis' global crypto adoption index for 2024, despite stringent regulations, including a recent ban on offshore crypto exchanges. Projections from Statista estimate India’s crypto market revenue could hit $6.6 billion this year. BitGo, however, is yet to establish a foothold in the region. Fang emphasized that full compliance with India’s laws would be a prerequisite to offering services to local clients.

The company’s recent initiatives include the launch of its first-ever global retail platform on November 2, signaling its readiness to expand. However, India’s strict Anti-Money Laundering rules have already classified nine foreign exchanges as non-compliant, banning their platforms. Notably, Binance resolved its compliance issues after paying a hefty $86 million tax penalty.

BitGo, headquartered in California, has over 460 employees worldwide, with 150 based in its Bangalore office. The company aims to provide institutional clients in India with trading and physical custody services. Globally, BitGo operates in more than 50 countries and recently secured a license to run a crypto exchange in Singapore.

Fang also expressed concerns about the crypto industry’s decentralization, suggesting Bitcoin’s creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, would be disappointed. He pointed out that many popular blockchains lack true decentralization, being controlled by limited entities or sequencers. According to Fang, these blockchains are “public append-only databases” with centralized control, falling short of Satoshi’s original vision.