Ever since Bitcoin’s launch in 2009, cryptocurrencies and the blockchain technology backing them have proven to be highly utilitarian, so far as showing the potential to replace the traditional financial system all over the global markets. Cryptocurrencies provide a wider access to capital and financial services for the general population, and they indeed have the potential to enable economic growth across the world – especially in developing countries.
If you have wanted to buy cryptocurrency in India in recent times, you might be aware of how India is among the fastest-growing crypto markets. The Bitcoin market in India, the most popular one by far, has been experiencing a massive rise in peer-to-peer activity and has opened up a whole new range of opportunities for early adopters.
In this post, we explore how cryptocurrencies can advance developing countries like India, and potentially meet the many requirements of the current economy and the individual traders who would like to buy cryptocurrency in India.
So, How Can Developing Countries Benefit from Cryptocurrencies?
- Reduced Corruption, Increased Transparency:
In economically developing countries, corruption is directly linked with poverty. Therefore, to ensure economic development and take an impactful step towards eradicating poverty, it’s important to eliminate corruption.
All crypto transactions performed on a blockchain are recorded on a digital, distributed ledger available for anyone to see on the blockchain. All users are identified by their digital signatures as well, so the increased transparency of blockchains can prevent corruption.
Additionally, there’s no central authoritarian figure controlling the blockchain systems, therefore they can not be manipulated either; this decreases any threats of corruption by a considerable margin. Moreover, citizens can use the recorded data on the blockchains to monitor where state funds are being oriented, and cryptocurrencies would also make it easier for governments to track their spendings.
- Reduced Transaction Time and Costs:
Cryptocurrencies offer worldwide financial transfers without requiring organizations in different countries to act as intermediaries, so crypto transactions are swifter than central bank-issued currencies.
Plus, cryptocurrencies do not need any expensive infrastructure to operate: there’s no need to pay employee wages or utility bills, unlike centralized financial institutions like banks. Therefore, the costs associated with cryptocurrency transactions are a lot lesser compared to the fees and charges common to fiat currency transactions.
However, the trading fees vary depending on the platform you choose to buy and trade cryptocurrencies. For instance, if you want to buy cryptocurrency in India, WazirX allows you to do so with minimal charges. Plus, the platform also offers lightning-fast transactions!
- Greater Financial Inclusion:
As per a recent study conducted by the Illinois News Bureau, around 190 million of India’s population still remains unbanked, despite the various financial inclusion initiatives undertaken by the government. This is due to a variety of reasons, including location issues, the requirement of higher minimum balances to open bank accounts, the lack of necessary documentation, and the high banking fees.
However, anyone with a semi-decent internet connection and a smartphone/computer can buy cryptocurrency in India and trade, since cryptocurrencies are purely software-based and can be accessed through cryptocurrency wallets, without requiring any bank accounts. So cryptocurrencies also enable widespread financial inclusion.
- Easier Cross Border Payments:
As mentioned before, cryptocurrencies are decentralized, so they are not watched over by a central institution, neither are they restricted to a specific geographic area. This means with cryptocurrencies, cross border payments get a lot easier; and cost effective too.
This in turn helps even small and medium businesses from developing countries gain better financial connections with the rest of the world, and access the global markets when they want to expand, as customers can easily pay companies in other countries with cryptocurrencies.
- Cryptocurrencies and Inflation:
Inflation is an economical issue the general populace in developing countries might have to face at any point. For example, the Venezuelan currency has become essentially useless because of the hyperinflation caused by socio-economic and political crises, as well as failed macroeconomic policies.
Cryptocurrencies, on the other hand, have emerged as an alternate and more stable currency that can hold their value even when traditional currencies are affected due to inflation and are almost worthless for the purchase of goods/ necessary services. As proven by the cryptocurrency petro (₽) or petromoneda, launched by the Venezuelan government back in 2018, cryptocurrencies can give back control to individuals in developing countries suffering from high inflation.
In conclusion, even though cryptocurrencies haven’t broken out into the mainstream markets yet, it’s undeniable that as developing countries gradually gain better access to the internet and smartphones, cryptocurrencies open up a horizon of brand new opportunities. Besides, the need for economic growth and complete financial inclusion in countries such as India can not be ignored, and so it’s only a matter of time until cryptocurrencies find a way into our daily lives and become the norm, replacing fiat currencies.
Where can you buy a cryptocurrency in India, you ask? Well, you can do that through a cryptocurrency exchange like WazirX. To find out more about how to buy cryptocurrency in India, you can visit our website here!
Also you can download the app and Start Trading Now!
Android App – Cryptocurrency Exchange
iOS App – Cryptocurrency Exchange
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Invest In Cryptocurrency Stocks?
Cryptocurrency can be purchased in two ways: through mining or exchanges. The process of confirming and adding transactions to the blockchain public ledger is known as cryptocurrency mining. Cryptocurrency exchanges are another option. Exchanges make money by charging transaction fees, but there are alternative platforms where you may communicate directly with other cryptocurrency traders.
Which Cryptocurrency Is Best To Invest In 2021?
Many altcoins are flourishing to invest in. Some cryptocurrencies with great potential are Ether, Ripple, Tron, and more. Investors are trying to diversify their portfolios and are flocking to the leading cryptocurrencies. Many growing businesses are already accepting cryptocurrency as acceptable payment methods.
What Is Virtual Currency?
Virtual currency is a type of uncontrolled digital currency that can only be used online. It is exclusively stored and transacted using designated software, mobile or computer applications, or unique digital wallets, and all transactions are conducted through secure, dedicated networks. Because digital currency is just currency issued by a bank in digital form, virtual currency is not the same as a digital currency. Virtual currency, unlike ordinary money, is based on a trust structure and cannot be issued by a central bank or other banking regulatory organization.
Is Mining Cryptocurrency Legal?
Cryptocurrency mining can be time-consuming, expensive, and sporadically profitable. Mining has an appeal for many cryptocurrency enthusiasts as miners are paid directly with crypto tokens for their efforts. The legality of cryptocurrency mining is dependent on where you live. In India, there is no restriction on crypto mining.
Is Cryptocurrency Banned In India?
No, cryptocurrency is not banned in India. India has seen its ups and downs in the crypto sector concerning its legal status. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a circular in April 2018 advising all organizations under its jurisdiction not to trade in virtual currencies or provide services to assist anyone in dealing with or settling them. A government committee proposed outlawing all private cryptocurrencies in mid-2019, with up to ten years in prison and severe penalties for anyone dealing in digital currency. The Supreme Court overruled the RBI's circular in March 2020, allowing banks to undertake cryptocurrency transactions from dealers and exchanges.
Are Cryptocurrencies Legal In India?
In India, cryptocurrency is legal, and anyone can buy, sell, and trade it. Because India lacks a regulatory system to regulate its operations, it is presently uncontrolled. According to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, companies must now document their crypto trading/investments inside the financial year.
What Is Cryptocurrency?
A cryptocurrency is a digital currency secured by encryption, due to which chances of activities such as counterfeiting and double-spending taking place get close to impossible. Cryptocurrencies get created on blockchain technology ( a distributed ledger enforced by a distributed network of computers). Cryptocurrencies are unique in that they do not get issued by any central authority. The term "cryptocurrency" comes from the encryption techniques used to keep digital currencies and the network safe.
Is Crypto Legal In India?
Cryptocurrencies are legal in India, and anyone can purchase, sell, and exchange them. It is currently uncontrolled, as India lacks a regulatory structure to oversee its operations. Per the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, companies must now record their crypto trading/investments within the financial year. In cases where a person receiving the gains is an Indian tax resident, or the cryptocurrency is regarded as domiciled in India, cryptocurrency transactions have been taxable in India
Are Cryptocurrencies A Good Investment?
Cryptocurrency has the potential to make you extremely wealthy, and the potential to cause you to lose your money. Crypto assets, like any other investment, come with many risks and potential rewards. Fundamentally, cryptocurrency is an excellent investment, particularly if you want to gain direct exposure to the demand for digital currency.
Is Bitcoin And Cryptocurrency The Same Thing?
Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency that was designed to facilitate cross-border transactions, eliminate government control over transactions, and streamline the entire process without third-party intermediaries. The absence of intermediaries has resulted in a significant reduction in transaction costs. Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator of Bitcoin, created the first cryptocurrency in 2008. It began as open-source software for money transfers. Since then, plenty of cryptocurrencies have emerged, with some focusing on specific fields.
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency is not a legal tender and is currently unregulated. Kindly ensure that you undertake sufficient risk assessment when trading cryptocurrencies as they are often subject to high price volatility. The information provided in this section doesn't represent any investment advice or WazirX's official position. WazirX reserves the right in its sole discretion to amend or change this blog post at any time and for any reasons without prior notice.
