IndiaTech.org whitepaper proposes defining cryptos as digital assets

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Industry association IndiaTech.org has proposed defining cryptos as digital assets and not currencies similar to other assets such as gold, stocks, or marketable securities.

The proposal is part of a whitepaper released by the association, which includes five key points aimed at providing regulatory clarity to crypto assets and exchanges in the country.

“Several countries such as the US, Australia have taken a very similar approach and have defined crypto assets as property,” the whitepaper has recommended.

It has also proposed introducing a system for registering Indian registered or founded cryptocurrency exchanges in the country.

The association has recommended permitting innovative uses of crypto by businesses and creating specific safeguards to protect retail investors from token issuance.

Taxation proposals

It has also called for a clear framework for taxing cryptos in the country.

“Enable taxation (direct and indirect) to treat crypto assets just as other current assets (but not cash), permit disclosures and regulate import which would result in additional revenue generation,” said the whitepaper.

It has also proposed putting in place checks and balances through well-defined reporting mechanisms, accounting standards and mechanisms to counter suspicious activities and transactions.

Regulatory system

Further, IndiaTech.org has suggested self-regulation for the industry based on a code of conduct that is framed in line with the government’s aim of safeguarding consumers as well as ensuring financial stability.

“The foremost need today is for this sector to be granted the much-needed regulatory clarity that it has been seeking. We are hopeful that the government will work with the industry to regulate the sector and that a progressive approach is adopted while doing so,” said Rameesh Kailasam, CEO, IndiaTech.org.

The whitepaper comes at a time when the government has been looking at banning cryptocurrencies in the country.

“More than being a replacement to fiat currencies, crypto by nature is a strong digital asset, a store of value,” said Sumit Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO, CoinDCX.

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Morgan Stanley becomes first major U.S. bank to offer clients access to bitcoin funds, BFSI News, ET BFSI

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Morgan Stanley has become the first big U.S. bank to offer its wealth management clients access to bitcoin funds, CNBC reported on Wednesday.

In an internal memo, the bank told its financial advisers it would launch access to three funds allowing ownership of bitcoin, CNBC reported, citing people with direct knowledge of the matter. (https://cnb.cx/3vwOjou)

The decision was taken after the bank’s clients demanded exposure to the cryptocurrency, according the report.

Morgan Stanley did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Bitcoin surged to a record high of $61,781.83 on Saturday, but has since fallen as investors consolidated gains and on news of plans by India to ban cryptocurrencies.

The cryptocurrency has been gaining mainstream acceptance lately, with Elon Musk’s Tesla Inc and Square Inc betting on it.

Last month, Bank of NY Mellon Corp formed a new unit to help clients hold, transfer and issue digital assets.

Access to the funds will only be allowed to people who have at least $2 million in assets held by the bank. Investment firms with at least $5 million at the bank will also be eligible. In both cases, the accounts have to be at least six months old, according to the report.

The bank will limit investments to 2.5% of total net worth even for investors with enough assets to qualify, the people said.

The two funds that will be offered are from Galaxy Digital, crypto firm founded by Michael Novogratz. The third fund is a joint effort from asset manager FS Investments and bitcoin company NYDIG. Clients could start investing in these funds next month, the report said.



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