Bitcoin impact: Laxmicoin seeks regulatory clarity for launch

Laxmicoin, modelled as an Indian version of world's top virtual currency Bitcoin, has sought clarifications from regulatory authorities before its launch that has already been delayed.
There are already close to 70 virtual currencies available across the world with total market valuation of about USD 15 billion (about Rs 90,000 crore), out of which Bitcoin is the biggest with close to USD 10 billion value.
The promoters of Laxmicoin, whose name is inspired by Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, have been preparing to launch it as India's first virtual currency for many weeks.
However, RBI's warning against use of bitcoin and action initiated by Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax Department among other authorities against some bitcoin operators in India seems to have come into the way of Laxmicoin launch, industry players said.

A number of bitcoin operators in India have already begun suspending their business following RBI's warning last month against use of such virtual currencies due to potential money laundering and cyber security concerns.
According to posts on Laxmicoin's Twitter page, its launch has been delayed due to "regulatory clarifications" and they hope to have clear guidelines from government soon.

They further said that they have written to authorities and are waiting for their replies to avoid any "problems".
Another post said that they are "making good progress" and were in advanced level discussions with investors, while the launch would happen immediately after RBI's response.

Another industry player said that RBI's advisory came at a time when the virtual currency business was picking up pace in India.
"Laxmicoin hasn't heard from the central bank as yet. It is quite impossible to imagine the RBI will give a no-objection to any virtual currency promoter now," he said.
Various operators are expecting clear regulatory clarifications that virtual currencies are not illegal per se but experts say such hopes are futile given that virtual currencies are saddled with number of significant risks at the moment.
There have been regular reports of cyber criminals hacking and stealing virtual currencies across the world.

On top of that, different virtual currencies continue to pop up almost everyday exposing users to unintended risks and also losses arising out of scams perpetrated by cyber criminals looking to make a quick buck, cyber security experts say.
While four-year old bitcoin shot to prominence with its per unit value soaring past USD 1,200 level recently, the heavy interest in such cryptocurrencies has led emergence of namesakes like Litecoin, Mastercoin and Dogecoin.