India Can Lead Global Crypto Adoption: Binance CEO Richard Teng

India’s young and tech-savvy population positions it to become a global leader in cryptocurrency adoption, according to Binance CEO Richard Teng, who believes smart regulation will unlock the country’s full Web3 potential.

Speaking recently to international business outlet CNBC, Teng said that crypto has “gone mainstream,” with record institutional participation, growing global confidence, and rising clarity around digital asset regulation. But he emphasized that India — the world’s largest democracy and fastest-growing digital economy — could play a defining role in the next chapter of crypto adoption.

“India has the largest demographic base and one of the most tech-savvy populations in the world,” Teng said. “In every country with a young, connected population, crypto adoption tends to be the fastest. With clear regulations, India could lead globally.”

India’s Web3 Moment: Big Demographics, Bigger Opportunity

Teng said Binance views India as a priority market, driven by its 1.4 billion population, expanding digital infrastructure, and a thriving developer ecosystem. According to the Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index, India consistently ranks among the top nations for grassroots participation in crypto assets.

“India’s adoption rate is already impressive,” Teng noted. “But what it needs now is regulatory clarity — clear rules around trading, stablecoins, custody, and blockchain applications. That’s when the true scale of India’s crypto innovation will emerge.”

Binance, he said, is actively engaging with Indian authorities to support a policy framework that encourages innovation while ensuring consumer protection. The company aims to contribute to India’s ambition to build a responsible, forward-looking Web3 ecosystem.

“Smart regulation doesn’t stifle innovation,” Teng added. “It accelerates it. When governments offer clarity, businesses and institutions participate with confidence.”

Crypto Goes Mainstream: From Retail to Institutional Adoption

Teng’s comments come at a time when global crypto adoption stands at around 7.5 percent, signalling vast growth potential. Over the past two years, Binance has seen record onboarding from institutions, corporates, and sovereign wealth funds, marking a fundamental shift from retail speculation to professional investment.

“For the longest time, crypto was a niche retail play,” Teng said. “Now, it’s mainstream — institutions, family offices, and even sovereigns are allocating capital to digital assets.”

He added that 2024 and 2025 marked a turning point, as large traditional financial players began exploring tokenisation, stablecoins, and blockchain-based asset management. Regulatory clarity, he said, is what enabled this transformation.

The Regulatory Shift: U.S. Leads, Others Follow

Citing the example of the United States, Teng said President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto stance has triggered a global shift in perception.

“We went from a very anti-crypto environment under President Biden to President Trump being a strong supporter,” Teng said. “That one change of tone created spillover effects worldwide — bringing stablecoin innovation and institutional entry to new heights.”

Binance, licensed in 22 global jurisdictions, now counts itself among the most regulated crypto exchanges worldwide. Teng said this approach gives Binance credibility to collaborate with regulators, including those in India, to design frameworks that support innovation responsibly.

Trump’s Pardon of CZ: “Fantastic News for the Industry”

Teng also welcomed President Trump’s recent pardon of Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, calling it “fantastic news” for the crypto sector.

“People recognise CZ’s contribution to Binance and to the industry,” Teng said. “We’re thankful to President Trump. It’s a powerful statement that the U.S. is ready to be the global crypto capital.”

Teng confirmed that CZ remains the majority shareholder of Binance, but stressed that the company operates under a professional corporate structure with board oversight and regulatory compliance across its operations.

Addressing the Stablecoin Controversy

Asked about reports that Binance boosted the Trump-linked “World Liberty” stablecoin (USD1), Teng categorically dismissed them.

“There have been many falsehoods,” he clarified. “USD1 was listed on several exchanges before Binance. The decision to use it in an investment was made independently by MJX, not Binance. We support innovation everywhere, not political agendas.”

India at the Heart of Crypto’s Next Phase

With nearly 300 million global users, Binance is expanding its presence in high-growth regions — particularly India and Southeast Asia — to support tokenisation, blockchain development, and institutional-grade infrastructure.

“India’s youth and innovation mindset make it uniquely placed to define the next wave of crypto,” Teng concluded. “If clarity and collaboration continue, India won’t just be a major crypto market — it will be the global crypto hub.”