FIU-IND Registration: What It Means for Indian Crypto Users

When you trade crypto in India, FIU-IND registration, the Financial Intelligence Unit-India’s requirement for crypto businesses to register under anti-money laundering laws. Also known as FIU-IND compliance, it’s not a suggestion—it’s the law. If an exchange doesn’t have it, using it could put your funds and legal standing at risk. This isn’t about bureaucracy. It’s about who gets to operate legally and who gets blocked.

India doesn’t ban crypto, but it does ban unregistered exchanges. Platforms like Binance, Kraken, and others had to either register with FIU-IND or stop serving Indian users. That’s why CoinDCX, WazirX, and ZebPay are still active—they complied. Others vanished overnight. The FIU-IND doesn’t care if you’re buying Bitcoin or trading meme coins. If your exchange doesn’t report transactions, monitor for suspicious activity, and verify users, it’s illegal under Indian law. This rule ties directly to global AML standards, but India enforces it with local teeth: fines, account freezes, and even criminal charges for repeated violations.

What does this mean for you? If you’re using an exchange that doesn’t mention FIU-IND registration, you’re likely on a platform that’s either shut down or operating illegally. Many users don’t realize this until their funds get locked or the app disappears. The FIU-IND doesn’t protect you directly—but registered exchanges do, because they’re forced to follow KYC, keep records, and report red flags. That’s the difference between a platform that’s around tomorrow and one that’s already gone.

Below, you’ll find real reviews and breakdowns of exchanges that failed or passed this test. Some are outright scams. Others are legal but risky. A few are safe, regulated, and built for long-term use. Whether you’re new to crypto or have been trading for years, understanding FIU-IND registration isn’t optional—it’s the first step to staying safe in India’s crypto market.