.png){kind=logo}
India’s Web3 Gamechanger’s Journey from Real Estate to Blockchain: Exclusive Interview with Himanshu Maradiya, Founder & Chairman, CIFDAQ
In an era where blockchain and Web3 are redefining the global financial landscape, the industry is witnessing a shift towards decentralized, transparent, and user-centric ecosystems. Amidst this dynamic evolution, India is emerging as a strategic hub for Web3 innovation. At the forefront of this movement is Mr. Himanshu Maradiya, Founder & Chairman of CIFDAQ, who has built India’s first full-stack Web3 ecosystem with a sharp focus on regulatory compliance, transparency, and user empowerment. With over 25 years of leadership, his journey from real estate to decentralized finance reflects a deep understanding of how industries evolve and how technology can unlock new economic opportunities.
In this exclusive interaction, Mr. Maradiya shares his insights on how India can lead the digital asset revolution, CIFDAQ’s role in simplifying Web3 adoption, navigating evolving global regulations, and how the next generation of entrepreneurs and investors can harness the transformative potential of decentralized technologies.
Several voices in the industry now argue that digital assets could emerge as the next global currency layer. How can India position itself to lead and not follow in this paradigm shift?
India has many unique advantages that we can leverage to lead in this rapidly changing landscape of digital assets. We have already shown unparalleled fintech adoption with 450 million UPI users and 340 million merchant QR codes. The key is to build an interoperable infrastructure that connects the already existing technological systems with global blockchain networks, thus leading the public into the next wave of digital revolution with little-to-no effort of their own. Being the global powerhouse of blockchain talent that it is, India has the potential to lead the world in this space. By developing solutions that effectively solve the existing roadblocks in the global fintech landscape, we can become the go-to market in the world for all things technology. We have the capability, and the talent; all we need now is to take the leap in the right direction.
As CIFDAQ bridges traditional finance with DeFi and Web3 ecosystems, what are the most critical user experience or security challenges you're solving to truly democratize digital finance at scale?
We wish to empower those who are excited about the possibilities of blockchain and Web3 but intimidated by its complexities, and want a truly unified platform that is safe, secure and offers various digital assets under one roof, thus making investing in them faster and easier.
We built CIFDAQ in 2021 with an aim to address this very need. While most platforms cater to just one segment, CIFDAQ is the first holistic Web3 ecosystem that offers a full-stack, multi-asset trading and investment ecosystem, with a wide spectrum of trading options, including synthetic tickers for stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, all on a single platform. By combining multiple asset classes in one place, we not only simplify the trading journey but also unlock new possibilities for all.
Security is central to our operations. We use Multi-Party Computing (MPC) wallets, which split private keys into multiple encrypted fragments stored anonymously, ensuring no internal party has access to the complete keys. This protects users from hacks, fraud, or insider threats. Along with this, we also have features like predictive security models, a seamless Travel Rule compliance, and a DIY onboarding process that includes advanced KYC verification, to ensure the safety of our investors’ assets.
With the US tightening its grip on crypto and the EU pushing ahead with MiCA regulations, how should global Web3 companies navigate this increasingly fragmented regulatory landscape?
With the passing of the GENIUS Act by the US Senate and them declaring the week of July 14-18 as ‘Crypto Week’, as well as the second phase of the European Union’s MiCA regulation in effect, cryptocurrency exchanges are expected to ensure compliance promptly, failing which they may be subject to stringent regulatory action.
The way to effectively navigate through this is self-regulation. A company that exceeds the highest regulatory standards globally, creates trust that transcends borders. This presents a great use case for the very technology we are endorsing. Every organisation must invest in modular systems that can adapt to regulatory requirements without compromising on the core functionality and offerings. Adopting smart contracts, automating regulatory compliance and maintaining transparent communication with regulators across jurisdictions are key to thriving in this landscape.
With India's crypto regulation paper expected soon, what are the immediate reforms or frameworks you believe are non-negotiable to balance innovation with compliance in the Indian digital asset space?
The government’s methodical and consultative approach reflects a genuine commitment to fostering innovation while safeguarding citizen interests. At this stage, a progressive licensing framework is non-negotiable, one that mandates mandatory registration with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and clear eligibility norms for all VDA intermediaries. This will provide regulatory clarity, weed out non-compliant players, and strengthen investor confidence.
Equally essential is a dedicated framework for DeFi protocols, incorporating built-in KYC/AML standards, transaction traceability, and smart contract audit requirements. These measures will ensure India’s digital asset ecosystem remains compliant and secure without stifling innovation.
Finally, enabling controlled cross-border crypto flows under a unified capital account framework will position India as a responsible, globally integrated digital economy. In combination, these guardrails will help India strike the right balance between regulation and opportunity as we prepare to release the forthcoming crypto policy paper.
How do you see Web3 reshaping the mindset of young investors and entrepreneurs? What should the younger generation watch out for while diving into this new financial frontier?
Web3 is fundamentally rewiring how young investors and entrepreneurs think about ownership, value creation, and financial participation. Today’s Gen Z and millennials master concepts like tokenomics, governance tokens, and yield farming, intuitively driving community-led value. On the investment front, they construct diversified portfolios that blend traditional equities and digital assets, balancing established and emerging opportunities. The most successful approach Web3 with patience, viewing positions as long-term wealth engines rather than quick flips, and anchor decisions in thorough research and fundamental analysis.
Entrepreneurs are equally energized, launching DAOs for decentralized governance, deploying token-based crowdfunding to align stakeholder incentives, and integrating NFT loyalty programs to deepen community engagement. These ventures are redefining funding, governance, and monetization, fostering leaner go-to-market strategies and transparent stakeholder participation.
As they navigate this frontier, the next generation must stay vigilant around evolving regulations, practice rigorous security hygiene, distinguish hype from solid fundamentals, and prioritize user experience. Their blend of continuous learning, disciplined habits, and innovative thinking positions them to unlock Web3’s transformative potential.
