Nigeria and India Set Divergent Crypto Regulatory Courses

- Nigeria advances to regulated crypto, shifting economic landscape significantly.
- India enacts stricter controls under COINS Act 2025.
- Global crypto markets brace for changes in regulatory policies.
India and Nigeria are implementing major changes to their cryptocurrency regulations in late 2023, with Nigeria expanding oversight and India introducing stringent controls through the COINS Act 2025.
These regulatory shifts could redefine market landscapes, influencing investor confidence and capital flows, as crypto’s role in financial systems becomes increasingly significant in both countries.
In 2025, India and Nigeria are actively shaping their cryptocurrency landscapes amid global shifts. Nigeria’s SEC is spearheading regulatory changes, while India’s Reserve Bank is crafting a thorough framework to govern the crypto sector effectively.
Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission has taken the lead in regulating digital currencies. Concurrently, India’s Reserve Bank is set to introduce the COINS Act 2025, providing much needed clarity and stringent oversight to the crypto domain.
Nigeria’s licensing of crypto services, integrating them into formal banking, is expected to boost investments. Conversely, India’s tightened regulations might deter speculative trading but could attract institutional confidence.
Nigeria’s initiatives may spark fintech growth, while India’s COINS Act is likely to affect market liquidity and participant operations. Both countries are navigating the complex balance between regulation and innovation.
Cryptocurrency stakeholders globally are monitoring these substantial policy shifts. India’s comprehensive legislation is poised to transform legal dynamics, while Nigeria’s approach could set the tone for African fintech aspirations.
Nigeria’s regulatory strategy and India’s legislative reform are expected to reshape financial landscapes. Historical trends suggest that such regulatory decisions could act as catalysts for economic innovation or challenges across the regions.
Bola Ajomale, Commissioner, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC Nigeria), “This new act is our first upgrade in 18 years. The world eighteen years ago is totally different from the world we have now, especially in terms of technology and how markets have moved.”