India’s cryptocurrency ecosystem took a notable leap forward this week as CoinSwitch, one of the country’s leading crypto trading platforms, launched INR-based crypto Futures trading. This bold move allows Indian traders to directly execute Futures contracts in Indian Rupees, eliminating the need to convert funds into USDT (Tether), a common hurdle in crypto derivatives markets.
CoinSwitch’s new offering redefines how Indian retail and semi-professional traders access crypto Futures. The platform now aligns more closely with local preferences and financial habits, providing an intuitive interface that speaks directly to the country’s expanding base of digital asset enthusiasts.
CoinSwitch Responds to User Feedback with Localized Innovation
CoinSwitch made the decision after listening closely to its user community. Many Indian traders reported that they found it more relatable and less complicated to track performance and calculate profits in INR rather than USDT. These insights drove the product development team to build a system tailored specifically for Indian investors.
By introducing INR-based contracts, CoinSwitch removed a long-standing barrier. Previously, users needed to either hold or convert funds into USDT before opening Futures positions. This extra step added confusion, increased fees, and slowed down the trading experience. Now, with INR-denominated contracts, traders can directly use their INR balances, track gains or losses in their native currency, and avoid exchange rate fluctuations.
CoinSwitch not only simplified the process but also democratized Futures trading. Traders no longer need to understand dollar-based pricing conventions or worry about cross-currency comparisons. As a result, even those new to the world of derivatives can navigate the platform with greater confidence.
Real-Time INR Price Mapping Improves Clarity
CoinSwitch introduced real-time INR price mapping across the entire Futures interface. On the contract list, users can now view pairings priced directly in INR alongside percentage changes. This feature lets them monitor price movements and evaluate market momentum in a familiar context.
The platform also redesigned the positions tab to reflect all key trading data in INR. When users select INR mode, they view real-time updates for crucial metrics such as:
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Unrealised P&L (Profit & Loss)
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Entry price and liquidation levels
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Transaction fees
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Margin usage
This shift allows traders to assess risk and return instantly without performing mental conversions or using external calculators. By showing all figures in INR, CoinSwitch saves time, minimizes errors, and improves decision-making.
The platform also offers a toggle feature, allowing users to switch seamlessly between USDT-based and INR-based contracts. This dual-mode interface gives traders the flexibility to choose the mode that best suits their comfort, experience, and trading strategies.
A Step Toward India-Centric Crypto Infrastructure
Balaji Srihari, Vice President at CoinSwitch, shared deeper insights into the motivation behind this launch. He stated that India represents the second-largest market globally by crypto value received and remains one of the fastest-growing digital asset markets.
“We’re not just building a trading platform—we’re creating a trading experience that reflects Indian values and preferences,” Srihari said. “By launching INR-based crypto Futures, we’ve removed a major pain point for millions of users. Advanced tools like Futures shouldn’t feel foreign or complicated. They should feel familiar and empowering.”
CoinSwitch emphasized that its long-term vision involves building tools that remove technical friction. The company plans to introduce further India-specific features to reduce onboarding time, simplify tax tracking, and improve education around derivatives trading.
Empowering Indian Retail Traders and Small Investors
CoinSwitch designed the new Futures offering with inclusivity at its core. Unlike platforms that cater primarily to high-volume or professional traders, CoinSwitch focuses on accessibility. Its user-friendly interface allows even first-time traders to open and manage Futures positions without facing a steep learning curve.
By eliminating the dependency on USDT, CoinSwitch has created a safer and more transparent environment for small investors. Users can now manage risk more effectively since all gains, losses, and fees are denominated in the same currency they use daily.
For example, if a trader enters a long position on Bitcoin at ₹6,00,000 and it rises to ₹6,20,000, the profit calculation becomes instantly clear. There is no confusion over dollar-to-INR rates or the impact of volatile exchange conversions. This clarity helps build user trust and encourages more consistent participation in crypto derivatives trading.
Backed by Experience and Global Investors
Founded in 2017, CoinSwitch has quickly emerged as one of India’s most recognized crypto platforms. Over time, it has accumulated a user base of more than 20 million, making it one of the largest crypto exchanges in the country. Unlike many offshore derivatives platforms, CoinSwitch operates with full regulatory awareness and commitment to compliance.
The company’s growth and vision attracted support from some of the world’s top venture capital firms. Coinbase Ventures, Tiger Global, and Sequoia Capital India have all backed CoinSwitch in various funding rounds. This strong backing enables the company to invest heavily in new features, including robust infrastructure for INR-based derivatives.
Srihari also emphasized CoinSwitch’s ongoing collaboration with policy-makers and industry regulators. He noted that building a transparent, localized crypto ecosystem requires mutual respect between platforms and authorities. CoinSwitch remains committed to maintaining that balance while pushing innovation.
A Growing Appetite for Crypto Derivatives in India
The Indian crypto landscape has shifted dramatically over the past two years. As more users gain awareness and education, interest in advanced trading products like Futures has surged. Indian traders now seek tools that offer better control over leverage, short-selling opportunities, and strategies to hedge against market downturns.
However, until now, the complexity of USDT-based trading kept many retail investors from entering the derivatives space. CoinSwitch identified this gap early and acted decisively.
With INR-based Futures now live, the platform expects a significant uptick in participation from non-professional users. The company also plans to expand its offering to include educational resources, simulation modes, and risk management tools tailored for the Indian audience.
What This Means for the Future of Indian Crypto
CoinSwitch’s move to introduce INR-based crypto Futures sets a new benchmark for localized innovation in Web3 infrastructure. While global exchanges compete to list exotic tokens or offer aggressive leverage, CoinSwitch focuses on real user needs. This strategic decision shows maturity and market insight.
By reducing barriers to entry and improving user confidence, CoinSwitch encourages more Indians to explore responsible Futures trading. The platform not only supports wealth creation but also helps spread financial literacy in a high-growth sector.
This launch also serves as a signal to other Indian and global exchanges. If platforms want to thrive in India’s crypto market, they must adapt to local expectations. INR-based functionality may soon become the standard, not the exception.
Conclusion
CoinSwitch continues to lead the way in bringing meaningful, user-driven changes to the Indian crypto space. By launching INR-based crypto Futures, the platform has empowered millions of users with a simplified, relatable, and powerful trading experience. With strong leadership, regulatory awareness, and a firm commitment to localization, CoinSwitch has set a precedent that could reshape India’s crypto trading landscape for years to come.
