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Name of the Professor: Prof. Divyani Datta
Month & Year of Submission: April 2023
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PROJECT COMPLETION AND PLAGIARISM VERIFICATION
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1. Chapter 1- Introduction
1.1 Background 5
1.2 Rationale 5
6
1.3 Literature Review
8
1.4 Research Gap
9
1.5 Research Objective
9
1.6 Research Methodology
10
1.7 Limitations
2. Chapter 2- Conceptual Framework
2.1 What is Cryptocurrency? 11
5. Chapter 5- References 32
6. Questionnaire 33
CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION
18.1 BACKGROUND
Cryptocurrencies are decentralized digital currencies that use cryptography and
Blockchain technology to record transactions and issue new units. Cryptocurrencies
like Bitcoin and Ethereum have emerged as a new asset class and a potential
replacement for mainstream financial assets. Although the Indian government has not
yet accepted cryptocurrencies as legal tender, they have grown in popularity. The
purpose of this research is to look into the public perception, legal status, investing
behaviour, hazards, and future possibilities of cryptocurrencies in the Indian economy.
A survey questionnaire is also used in the study to collect data on public knowledge,
investment behaviour, and the hazards associated with cryptocurrencies.
18.2 RATIONALE
Cryptocurrencies have gained significant attention in the past few years due to their
decentralized nature and potential to disrupt traditional financial systems. However,
the use and adoption of cryptocurrencies in India remains a topic of debate and
scrutiny.
Therefore, an analysis of cryptocurrency in the Indian economy is important to
understand its impact on various economic factors such as financial inclusion,
monetary policy, taxation, and regulation. Additionally, India's large population and
emerging economy make it an interesting case study for exploring the potential
benefits and challenges of cryptocurrency adoption in developing countries. The
research can provide valuable insights into the current state of cryptocurrency adoption
in India, the factors influencing its adoption, and the potential implications for the
Indian economy. This can inform policymakers, investors, and the general public on
the advantages and limitations of cryptocurrencies and aid in the development of
appropriate regulatory frameworks for their use.
18.3 LITERATURE REVIEW
18.3.1 Rajan, A., Kaur, H., Singh, A. K., Sisodia, D. R., & Garg, A. K. (2022): This
article examines the growth of cryptocurrencies, their pros and cons, and
regulatory obstacles. It covers various types of cryptocurrencies, their
popularity, and the potential impact on traditional banking.
18.3.2 Sharma, K. (2022): The article provides an ethical analysis of cryptocurrencies
in India, discussing their benefits and challenges and the ethical issues they
raise. It presents arguments in favor of and against cryptocurrencies,
highlighting their potential benefits and risks.
18.3.3 Sharma, R., & Gautam, S. (2022): The authors explored the potential of
Cryptocurrency as a new investment avenue in India, exploring its advantages
and disadvantages, regulatory landscape, and risks. They highlighted its
potential as an alternative investment vehicle but warned of caution and
awareness among investors.
18.3.4 Shikha, & Bhargava, R. (2022): This article discusses the evolution of
Cryptocurrency and the need for regulation in the current digital landscape.
The authors highlight the risks associated with unregulated digital currencies,
such as cyber security risk and money laundering.
18.3.5 Wisetsri, W., Vijai, C., Kasidit, C., & Jirayus, P. (2022): The article provides
an overview of cryptocurrencies, including their evolution, concept, and
potential applications. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of
cryptocurrencies, as well as the challenges they face in terms of regulation,
security, and market fluctuations.
18.3.6 Bala, A. (2021): The article discusses the potential impact of Cryptocurrency
on India's economy and financial system, with the author emphasizing its
potential to improve financial inclusion and reduce transaction costs. However,
there is a need for caution due to the uncertainty surrounding its future.
18.3.7 Bholane, D. K. P. (2021): The article provides an overview of the benefits and
challenges associated with cryptocurrencies. It highlights their advantages,
such as faster and cheaper transactions, but also their risks, such as association
with illicit activities and impact on financial stability.
18.3.8 Gowda, I. P. M. (2021): This article provides a comprehensive review of the
regulatory landscape of cryptocurrencies in India. It examines the current legal
status and challenges faced by cryptocurrencies, as well as the government's
stance towards them.
18.3.9 Mubarak, D., & Manjunath, H. (2021): The study explored the status of
Cryptocurrency in India, providing insights into its history, advantages, and
disadvantages. It identified potential benefits such as improved financial
inclusion and reduced transaction costs, but also noted the associated risks.
18.3.10Parab, L. J., & Nitnaware, P. P. (2021): Parab and Nitnaware's (2021) study
compared Cryptocurrency investment with traditional options and found that it
had emerged as a viable and less volatile investment option with higher returns.
This paper describes the increasing popularity and adoption of Cryptocurrency
among Indian investors, particularly young investors.
18.3.11Shetty, S. K., & Cristi, O. (2021): An online survey of Indian youths' attitudes
towards Cryptocurrency investment revealed that the majority of respondents
had a positive attitude towards it and believed it would bring high returns. The
perceived risk associated with Cryptocurrency investment was a significant
factor in influencing their attitudes towards it, consistent with previous
research on youth attitudes.
18.3.12Irfan, S. B., & Malavika, M. (2020): The article examines the opportunities
and challenges of cryptocurrencies in India, including regulatory uncertainty
and the Reserve Bank of India's cautious approach towards them. It also looks
at potential benefits such as financial inclusion and cost reduction, as well as
risks such as illicit activities and impact on financial stability.
18.3.13Jani, S. (2020): This article discusses the challenges faced by Cryptocurrency
growth in India due to a lack of clear regulation and legal framework. The
author argues that robust regulation is necessary to ensure secure and effective
use of Cryptocurrency, prevent fraud and illegal activities, while balancing
innovation.
18.3.14Anil Kumar, V. V., & Swathy, P. (2019): This article examines the potential of
Cryptocurrency in India with a special focus on Bitcoin, covering the legal
framework, benefits, and risks associated with it. It highlights the potential to
revolutionize the Indian financial system, but also the challenges such as lack
of clear regulations and the potential for fraud and illicit activities.
18.3.15Devi, M. S. (2019): This article provides an overview of Bitcoin and
Blockchain technology, evolution, unique features, and potential applications
in different
sectors. The author also discusses the advantages and challenges of using
Bitcoin and Blockchain, as well as their potential to disrupt traditional financial
systems.
18.3.16Dorbala, R. (2019): This article examines the regulatory status of
cryptocurrencies in India, highlighting the challenges they face such as the lack
of legal clarity and regulatory uncertainty. The author discusses the legal and
regulatory challenges and their impact on the adoption and growth of
cryptocurrencies in India.
18.3.17Vishwakarma, P., Khan, Z., & Jain, T. (2019): This article examines the
growth of Cryptocurrency in India, its legal framework, and regulatory
challenges such as taxation and money laundering. It argues that lack of clear
legal framework is a major obstacle to adoption and calls for a comprehensive
regulatory framework.
18.3.18Govindasamy, R. (2018): This article provides an overview of Cryptocurrency,
its types, technology, and potential implications in various industries. The
author also discusses the potential of Blockchain technology to transform
industries like banking and real estate sector.
18.3.19Purohit, H. (2018): This article provides an overview of the current and future
prospects of cryptocurrencies in India, with a focus on Bitcoin, covering the
legal status of cryptocurrencies, potential benefits and challenges, and related
initiatives. It also discusses India's first Cryptocurrency exchange and investor
interest in cryptocurrencies, opportunities and challenges for cryptocurrencies.
18.4RESEARCH GAP
18.4.1 Regulatory framework: The regulatory framework in India is a major
research gap in understanding the legal status of cryptocurrencies, as there is
no clear regulation on their use, trading, and ownership.
18.4.2 Adoption and usage: Adoption and usage are low compared to other
countries, and research on the factors that influence the adoption and usage of
Cryptocurrency in India can help understand the potential for growth.
18.4.3 Cryptocurrency market structure: Cryptocurrency market structure is still in
its early stages, with lack of established exchanges, liquidity, and trading
platforms making it difficult for investors and traders to participate.
18.4.4 Cryptocurrency and financial inclusion: Research on the role of
Cryptocurrency in promoting financial inclusion can provide insights into the
potential impact of Cryptocurrency on the financial system and the economy in
India.
18.5RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
To analyse the legal status of Cryptocurrency as digital currency in India.
To examine the awareness of public of India regarding Cryptocurrency.
To undertake a comparative analysis of the risks of investment in
Cryptocurrency and conventional investments.
To understand the future prospects of Cryptocurrency by using a SWOT
analysis.
18.6RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research methodology is defined as a logical and systematic plan to solve a
research problem. It encompasses the entire process of data collection and
analysis. This research aims to determine the emerging concept of
Cryptocurrency and Blockchain technology.
An investigation of the risks involved in Cryptocurrency and conventional
investment options will be undertaken as a comparative study. A SWOT
analysis is a framework for analysing the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities
and Threats of a particular topic. This paper will analyse the prospects of
Cryptocurrency in India through a SWOT Analysis.
In this study, exploratory research will be undertaken, to investigate research
questions that have not been previously studied. Here, both primary and
secondary methods of data collection will be used. For the collection of
primary and quantitative data, a questionnaire containing closed-ended
questions will be rolled out to the target respondents. Qualitative and secondary
data will be obtained through online research and literature review on similar
areas of study.
18.7LIMITATIONS
To obtain a representative sample for a survey on cryptocurrency can be
challenging because awareness of cryptocurrency is not evenly distributed
across the population. This can lead to a biased sample that does not accurately
represent the views and opinions of the entire population.
The ambiguity of regulations around cryptocurrency in India can make it
challenging to assess the future position of digital currencies in the Indian
economy.
Lack of proper information on various risks associated with cryptocurrency is a
significant concern for anyone considering investing or using digital
currencies. It is essential for individuals to educate themselves on these risks
and take appropriate measures to mitigate them.
CHAPTER 2- CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Legal tender refers to the recognized currency that is accepted as a means of payment for
goods and services. In India, legal tender is the Indian rupee (INR). The Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) banned banks and other regulated entities from dealing in cryptocurrencies in
2018, due to concerns about money laundering and other financial crimes. However, this
ban was lifted by the Supreme Court of India in 2020, allowing individuals and
businesses to trade in cryptocurrencies. Despite the lifting of the ban, cryptocurrencies
are not considered legal tender in India. While they can be used as a form of investment
or payment, they are not recognized as a currency by the government.
Potential benefits of CBDC include reducing the cost of printing and distributing physical
currency, improving the efficiency and security of the payment system, enhancing
financial inclusion, and reducing the risk of money laundering and other illicit activities.
A CBDC could also provide greater visibility and control to the central bank over the
money supply and could facilitate the implementation of monetary policy.
2.8 BLOCKCHAIN & FINCIAL SECTOR IN INDIA
Remittances: Companies such as Ripple and Stellar are working with banks
and payment providers in India to enable faster and cheaper remittances using
blockchain technology.
Trade finance: The State Bank of India (SBI) has partnered with IBM to
develop a blockchain-based solution for trade finance that is expected to reduce
transaction times and costs.
Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance: The National Payments Corporation
of India (NPCI) has developed a blockchain-based solution for KYC
compliance, which is expected to reduce fraud and enhance customer privacy.
Digital identity: The government of India has launched a pilot project for a
blockchain-based digital identity system called IndiaChain, which is expected
to improve access to financial services for underbanked and unbanked
populations.
Insurance: Blockchain-based insurance platforms like B3i are being used by
Indian insurance companies to improve the efficiency and transparency of their
operations.
RBI Circular 2018: In April 2018, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a circular
that prohibited all regulated financial institutions from providing services to
individuals or businesses dealing with cryptocurrencies.
Supreme Court Judgment 2020: The Court held that the RBI circular violated the
fundamental rights of individuals and businesses by denying them access to banking
services solely on the grounds that they dealt with cryptocurrencies. The Court's
decision effectively lifted the ban on cryptocurrencies in India, and individuals and
businesses are now free to buy, sell, hold, and use cryptocurrencies.
Proposed Cryptocurrency Bill: In early 2021, the Indian government proposed the
"Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill," which seeks to
ban all private cryptocurrencies in India and create a framework for a central bank
digital currency. The bill proposes to create a regulatory framework for
cryptocurrencies and provide clarity on their legal status in India.
The legal status of cryptocurrencies as a digital currency in India is still uncertain, they
are not explicitly banned, and individuals are free to own, buy, sell, or use
cryptocurrencies at their own risk. The proposed Cryptocurrency bill may provide clarity
on the regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies in India in the future, but its provisions
and implications are still uncertain.
OBJECTIVE 2: To examine the awareness of Indians about Cryptocurrency
Demographic Data:
58% of the respondents are Male and 42% are female respondents.
Age of the respondents –
74% of the respondents believe that Cryptocurrency is a type of digital currency that
is decentralized and operates independently of a central bank.
Bitcoin, Ethereum and Dogecoins are the most commonly known Cryptocurrency-
68% of the respondents correctly understand the concept on blockchain on the other
hand 18% are unaware of the concept-
Only 40% of the respondents are aware about “Decentralization” whereas 20%
are unaware of the concept-
56% of the respondents are not aware of the concept of “Miner”, 50% have given the
incorrect answer. Only 29% know the correct meaning of the term-
The most popular Cryptocurrency is Bitcoin -
47% of the respondents are aware of Dogecoin but 32% are not aware of the same-
Most common apps in India to invest in Cryptocurrency –
OBJECTIVE 3: To undertake a comparative analysis of the risks of investment
in Cryptocurrency and conventional investments.
The respondents believe that Cryptocurrency possess most risk and Gold/FD possess
the least % of risk as categories for investment-
The respondents believe that Equity generates most returns, followed by
Cryptocurrency and Bonds generate the lowest ROI.
The respondents will allocate funds in their portfolio in the following order:
1. Zero – Least investment in Cryptocurrency
2. 1-20% - Bonds
3. 20-40% - Real Estate
4. 40-60% - Equity
5. 60-80% - Gold
COMPARITIVE ANALYSIS-
OBJECTIVE 4: To understand the future prospects of Cryptocurrency by using a SWOT
analysis.
Strengths-
Growing interest: There is growing interest in cryptocurrencies in India, with an
increasing number of individuals and businesses investing in and using
cryptocurrencies.
Decentralized nature: Cryptocurrencies are decentralized, and they operate
independently of central authorities like governments and banks, providing users
with greater control over their assets.
Potential for innovation: Cryptocurrencies have the potential to drive innovation
in the financial sector by enabling faster, cheaper, and more secure transactions.
Weaknesses-
Lack of regulatory clarity: There is currently no clear regulatory framework
governing the use of cryptocurrencies in India, creating uncertainty for users and
businesses.
High volatility: Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile and subject to price
fluctuations, making them risky investments for individuals and businesses.
Security risks: Cryptocurrencies are vulnerable to hacking and fraud, with
several high-profile security breaches in the past leading to significant losses.
Opportunities-
Market growth: The Cryptocurrency market in India has the potential for
significant growth, driven by increasing interest in cryptocurrencies and the
potential for innovation in the financial sector.
Adoption by businesses: As more businesses begin to accept cryptocurrencies as
a form of payment, it could increase their adoption and legitimacy in India.
Regulatory clarity: If a clear regulatory framework is established for
cryptocurrencies in India, it could provide greater clarity and legitimacy for users
and businesses and increase confidence in the market.
Threats-
Government intervention: The Indian government has expressed concerns about
the risks associated with cryptocurrencies and could potentially ban or restrict
their use in India.
Competition from other assets: Cryptocurrencies face competition from other
assets, such as gold, real estate, and traditional financial instruments, which are
considered safer investments by some.
Perception among general public: Cryptocurrencies are still relatively new and
unfamiliar to many people in India, which could limit their adoption and use.
CHAPTER 4 – CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS
Clarify regulatory framework: The Indian government could provide clear guidelines
and regulations for the use of cryptocurrencies in the country. This would help to
reduce uncertainty and provide more clarity for investors, traders, and other
stakeholders in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Encourage innovation: The government could encourage innovation in the
cryptocurrency sector by providing tax incentives or other incentives for startups and
businesses that are developing new cryptocurrency technologies or applications.
Address money laundering and fraud: The government could take steps to address
the potential risks associated with cryptocurrencies, such as money laundering and
fraud. This could involve implementing stricter KYC and AML regulations for
cryptocurrency exchanges and service providers.
Promote financial literacy: The government could promote financial literacy among
the public to help ensure that individuals are able to make informed decisions about
investing in cryptocurrencies by launching public awareness campaigns or including
financial literacy topics in school curriculums.
Foster international collaboration: The Indian government could work with
international organizations and other countries to develop international standards and
best practices for regulating cryptocurrencies to promote cross-border adoption and
use of cryptocurrencies.
Encourage research and development: The government could encourage research by
providing funding or other incentives for academic institutions and researchers to
conduct studies on the impact of cryptocurrencies on the Indian economy.
4.3 CONCLUSION
The findings of this research reveal that cryptocurrency is not yet recognized as a
legal tender in India, and it operates in a grey area. Despite this, the Indian public has
shown a growing interest in cryptocurrency, and many people have invested in it.
However, there is still a lack of awareness and understanding of the risks associated
with cryptocurrency investment.
Furthermore, this research compared the risks and rewards of conventional investment
and cryptocurrency in India and found that while cryptocurrency investment can yield
high returns, it also poses significant risks due to its volatility and lack of regulation.
Finally, the SWOT analysis conducted on the future of cryptocurrency in India
revealed that while there are opportunities for growth, such as the increasing adoption
of blockchain technology, there are also challenges, such as the lack of clarity on
regulations and the potential for fraud and cybercrime.
CHAPTER 5 – REFERNECES
Rajan, A., Kaur, H., Singh, A. K., Sisodia, D. R., & Garg, A. K. (2022). A critical
analysis of the emergence and development of cryptocurrencies and how it impacts
the current economic activities. International Journal of Advanced Research, 10(1),
301-315.
Sharma, K. (2022). Analysis of Cryptocurrency: An Ethical Conjecture with
Reference to Indian Scenario. Sachetas, 9(1), 15-26.
Sharma, R., & Gautam, S. (2022). Cryptocurrency: A New Investment Avenue in
India. In Handbook of Research on Innovative Technology Trends in Business and
Management: 41-59. IGI Global.
Shikha, & Bhargava, R. (2022). Changing Face of Cryptocurrency and the Need for
Regulation. DME Journal of Management, 16(1), 37-48.
Wisetsri, W., Vijai, C., Kasidit, C., & Jirayus, P. (2022). Cryptocurrency - An
Overview. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 6(1), 65-72.
Bala, A. (2021). Cryptocurrency and Its Scope in India. International Journal of
Engineering and Advanced Technology Studies, 11(3), 81-87.
Bholane, D. K. P. (2021). Pros and Cons of Cryptocurrency: A Brief Overview.
National Journal of Research in Marketing, Finance & HRM, 6(3), 71–78.
Gowda, I. P. M. (2021). Cryptocurrency in India: Government's Stand and Legal
Status. Journal of Business Management and Commerce, 3(1), 1-10
Mubarak, D., & Manjunath, H. (2021). A Study on Cryptocurrency in India.
International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology, 30(2), 3901-3910.
Parab, L. J., & Nitnaware, P. P. (2021). Investigating existence of cryptocurrency
over traditional investment in India: A comparative study. Investment Management
and Financial Innovations, 18(3), 200-212.
Parnami, P., & Mathur, S. (2021). Awareness and adoption of cryptocurrency
among entrepreneurs of Jaipur city. Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and
Innovation, 17(2), 173-188.
Shetty, S. K., & Cristi, O. (2021). Perceived attitude of youth towards
cryptocurrency investment: A case study of India. Journal of Financial Crime,
28(1), 251-264.
Irfan, S. B., & Malavika, M. (2020). Opportunities and Challenges of
Cryptocurrencies in India - A Study. International Journal of Scientific Research
and Management, 8(06), 1473-1483.
Jani, S. (2020). The growth of cryptocurrency in India: Its challenges and potential
impacts on legislation. International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer
Science, 11(3), 99-102.
Jani, S. (2020). The growth of cryptocurrency in India: Its challenges and potential
impacts on legislation. International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer
Science, 11(3), 99-102.
Anil Kumar, V. V., & Swathy, P. (2019). A Study on Opportunities and Challenges
of Cryptocurrency in India with Special Reference to Bitcoin. International Journal
of Research and Analytical Reviews, 6(1), 774–779.
Devi, M. S. (2019). Bitcoin - An Overview. Shanlax International Journal of
Commerce, 7(2), 18-21.
Dorbala, R. (2019). The orphaned status of cryptocurrencies in India. Journal of
Management and Science, 9(1), 29-36.
Vishwakarma, P., Khan, Z., & Jain, T. (2019). Cryptocurrency and legal framework
in India. International Journal of Advance Research and Innovative Ideas in
Education, 5(4), 524-527.
Govindasamy, R. (2018). Introduction to Cryptocurrency: An Overview. Journal of
Applied Research in Higher Education, 10(1), 1-11.
Purohit, H. (2018). A Study on Prospects and Experiments of Cryptocurrency in
India with Special Reference to Bitcoin. International Journal of Management and
Social Sciences Research (IJMSSR), 7(1), 64-70.
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/in/investing/cryptocurrency/crypto-
bill/#:~:text=Based%20on%20the%20various%20key,ban%20on%20it%20in%20I
ndia.
https://www.mondaq.com/india/fin-tech/1194412/legal-status-of-cryptocurrencies-
in-india--government-recognition-and-tacit-de-facto-approval-of-digital-currency
https://vakilsearch.com/blog/is-cryptocurrency-legal-in-india-in-2023/
https://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-9660-current-status-of-
cryptocurrency-in-india.html
https://www.globallegalinsights.com/practice-areas/blockchain-laws-and-
regulations/india
ANNEXURE 1
QUESTIONNAIRE
Equity Shares/MF
Bonds/
Debt MF
17. Rate the following Investment options on the basis of the returns you think
they generate:
Equity Shares/MF
Bonds/
Debt MF
18. Which of the following are the “Advantages” of investment in
Cryptocurrency?
Particulars
Decentralization
Higher Returns
Easy Accessibility
19. Rate the following Cryptocurrency Risks (from low risk to risk being a
barrier to investment):
No Regulation
Volatility Risk
Cybersecurity Risk
Assuming
20. you had INR 10,00,000 for building a diversified investment portfolio, what proportion of it
Gold/FD
Commodities
Cryptocurrency