Move strengthens presence across India and the Middle East, two of the world’s fastest-growing crypto markets.
Dubai: Coinbase, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, has announced a strategic investment in CoinDCX, India’s largest crypto trading platform, in a move that strengthens its foothold across India and the Middle East.
The investment builds on earlier funding rounds from Coinbase Ventures and signals renewed confidence in the region’s potential to shape what Coinbase calls the “future global onchain economy.”
Expanding in Key Growth Markets
In a statement, Coinbase highlighted that India and the Middle East represent two of the most dynamic and fast-growing crypto ecosystems worldwide. “With over 1.4 billion people, high tech adoption, and over 100 million crypto owners, India and the Middle East are set to play a big role in the future of crypto,” the company said.
Coinbase’s latest move reflects its broader regional strategy of supporting local builders, startups, and developers while providing access to reliable digital asset infrastructure. The company already operates in both markets through a mix of partnerships, venture funding, and ecosystem initiatives that aim to advance regulatory clarity and innovation.
The investment, still pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, marks another step in Coinbase’s expansion strategy following similar partnerships and investments in other emerging economies.
CoinDCX’s Rapid Growth
Founded in 2018, CoinDCX has quickly become a dominant player in India’s crypto industry and an increasingly influential name across the Middle East. The exchange has built a strong retail base, serving over 20.4 million verified users through its easy-to-use trading platform and education-driven approach to crypto adoption.
According to company data, as of July 2025, CoinDCX reported annualised group revenue of ₹1,179 crore ($141 million), with total transaction volumes reaching ₹13.7 lakh crore ($165 billion). Assets under custody exceeded ₹10,000 crore ($1.2 billion), demonstrating its strong market position despite regulatory headwinds in India’s crypto sector.
The company has also expanded its operations beyond India, setting up partnerships and regional offices across the Middle East to tap into growing investor demand in countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. These markets have shown increasing openness toward digital assets, with supportive frameworks emerging under regulators such as Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).
Strengthening Regional Ties
For Coinbase, the partnership with CoinDCX represents more than a financial investment—it’s a strategic alliance aimed at deepening engagement with local crypto ecosystems. The company has consistently advocated for clear regulations and greater collaboration between governments and industry players to build trust and transparency in digital finance.
“Coinbase has long believed that crypto will be a global phenomenon, and India and the Middle East are essential to that vision,” a spokesperson said. “Our goal is to empower users, entrepreneurs, and developers in these regions with access to trusted, compliant, and innovative digital asset infrastructure.”
Analysts note that the move aligns with Coinbase’s ongoing push to diversify its global presence amid shifting regulatory environments in the United States. By strengthening its presence in Asia and the Middle East, the company is positioning itself for long-term growth in regions where digital asset adoption is accelerating rapidly.
India and the Middle East: The Next Crypto Frontiers
Both India and the Middle East have seen exponential growth in crypto ownership and blockchain innovation over the past few years. India’s vast tech-savvy population, coupled with its thriving startup ecosystem, makes it one of the largest potential markets for digital assets globally. Meanwhile, the Middle East—particularly the UAE—has taken a proactive stance in establishing itself as a global hub for virtual assets through clear regulatory frameworks and government-backed initiatives.
CoinDCX has played a key role in promoting crypto literacy and responsible trading practices in India, launching several educational programs under its “DCX Learn” initiative. Its expansion into the Middle East complements the UAE’s ambition to attract top blockchain companies and fintech innovators to its shores.
Looking Ahead
The investment underscores the growing interdependence between Western and Asian crypto markets. For Coinbase, it represents a strategic bet on two regions that are not only witnessing a surge in digital asset adoption but are also laying the groundwork for long-term regulatory stability and innovation.
For CoinDCX, the partnership provides both capital and credibility as it looks to scale its operations, attract institutional investors, and further integrate with the global crypto economy.
While the transaction remains subject to final regulatory approval, both companies have framed the deal as a forward-looking collaboration that aims to unlock new opportunities in global payments, blockchain development, and financial inclusion.
As the crypto landscape matures, India and the Middle East are expected to emerge as pivotal markets shaping the next phase of blockchain adoption—and Coinbase’s investment in CoinDCX places it firmly at the centre of that transformation.
