India Tightens Crypto Rules: Selfie and Geo-Checks Required

Published by

Sohrab Khawas

January 12, 2026

India Tightens Crypto Rules: Selfie and Geo-Checks Required

India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has rolled out stricter anti‑money‑laundering and KYC rules for cryptocurrency exchanges to strengthen user verification and combat illicit activity. New onboarding requirements include live selfie verification using liveness detection, geolocation tracking (latitude, longitude, IP, timestamp), bank account confirmation via a small test transfer, and multiple government‑issued ID checks. Exchanges must also verify email and mobile numbers. These measures aim to improve transparency and traceability without banning crypto trading, though enhanced verification may slow onboarding.

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Sohrab Khawas

Sohrab is a passionate cryptocurrency news writer with over five years of experience covering the industry. He keeps a keen interest in blockchain technology and its potential to revolutionize finance. Whether he's trading or writing, Sohrab always keeps his finger on the pulse of the crypto world, using his expertise to deliver informative and engaging articles that educate and inspire. When he's not analyzing the markets, Sohrab indulges in his hobbies of graphic design, minimal design or listening to his favorite hip-hop tunes.

Published by

Sohrab Khawas

Tags: Crypto news