TronWeekly

Crypto World News

You are here: Home / Search for "binance"

Search Results for: binance

Binance’s Fight Against North Korean Crime: $4.4M Seized

by

Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, has aided US law enforcement in seizing and freezing millions of dollars from accounts associated with North Korean organized crime. 

A recent press release announced that the exchange’s investigations team had collaborated with US authorities to take action against individuals linked to criminal activities in North Korea.

The exchange proudly declared its contribution in a tweet, stating:

We are proud to have assisted US law enforcement in seizing $4.4M and freezing accounts linked to North Korean organized crime.” 

Binance applauded its law enforcement partners and investigations team for their unwavering dedication to combating crime globally. It emphasized that it had proactively acted against these accounts over a year ago, following legally served warrants and in close coordination with authorities.

According to the US Department of the Treasury, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned several entities and one individual involved in criminal cyber activities that support the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) government’s goals. 

The Treasury highlighted the DPRK’s extensive illicit cyber operations, which generate funds for unlawful weapons development, including ballistic missiles.

Additionally, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson underscored the importance of curbing the DPRK’s illicit revenue generation activities. 

He emphasized the United States’ commitment, along with its partners, to combat the regime’s ongoing efforts to steal money from financial institutions, virtual currency exchanges, companies, and individuals worldwide.

Binance: Blockchain’s Role in Exposing Illicit Financial Operations

Moreover, Binance’s head of Financial Crimes Compliance, Tigran Gambaryan, also expressed his motivation for joining the cryptocurrency industry, citing the technology’s transparency as a tool for catching criminals.

Gambaryan, who had a background in law enforcement and IRS criminal investigations, recognized the opportunities presented by the crypto world. 

Throughout his career, he has contributed to catching criminals involved in various illegal activities, such as child abuse, drug trafficking, and public corruption, thanks to cryptocurrency’s transparency.

Matt Price, Binance’s global head of intelligence and investigations, debunked the misconception that cryptocurrencies are anonymous. He explained that the public record of blockchain transactions makes it easier for investigators to identify individuals involved in illicit activities. 

Price emphasized that investigators utilizing their lawful powers and investigative tools find tracking and tracing crypto-related crimes more convenient than traditional financial investigations.

Nevertheless, Binance’s collaboration with US law enforcement demonstrates the potential for the cryptocurrency industry to combat illicit activities actively.

However, as regulatory measures continue to strengthen, exchanges like Binance are working closely with authorities worldwide to prevent crimes and take action against bad actors. 

Related Reading | Litecoin Price Surges Before Halving as AltSignals Raises $876k During Presale

Floki & Binance Pay Join Forces In Revolutionary Crypto Campaign

by

In an exciting development for the crypto community, Floki has launched a strategic marketing partnership with Binance Pay, according to a recent Medium blog post. The collaboration aims to boost the adoption of Floki by leveraging Binance Pay’s extensive reach and user base.

Starting today, June 1, 2023, a new campaign will be rolled out, designed to incentivize users to make purchases using Floki through Binance Pay. The campaign rewards individuals who spend at least $1 worth of goods using the token through Binance Pay from any eligible Binance Marketplace merchants.

Binance Pay, renowned as the leading crypto payment service provider, will play a pivotal role in facilitating Floki’s merchandise store transactions. As part of the strategic partnership, Binance Pay has crafted a special campaign that will run throughout the month, from June 1 to June 30, 2023.

To maximize the campaign’s impact, Binance Pay will promote it across multiple channels, including the Pay homepage, social media platforms, and other strategic outlets. 

Both intend to amplify the partnership’s significance by announcing and featuring the campaign on their respective social media platforms. Additionally, Floki will showcase the campaign on its official website, ensuring maximum visibility for this exciting collaboration.

FLOKI’s Enhanced Utility as a Payment Token

This strategic marketing partnership not only bolsters its utility as a payment token but also provides it with targeted exposure through the joint efforts of Binance Pay’s marketing team. 

Binance App, the most popular crypto app globally, has amassed over 50 million downloads on the Google Play Store and a significant number of downloads on the Apple Store, further enhancing this collaboration’s potential reach and impact.

However, by aligning forces with a reputable and influential platform like Binance Pay, it aims to solidify its position and expand its user base. As the campaign gains momentum, it is expected to foster greater awareness, adoption, and usage of the token, ultimately driving its growth and market value.

The crypto community eagerly anticipates the outcomes of this groundbreaking partnership as Floki and Binance Pay set the stage for a new era of crypto adoption and utility.

Related Reading | XRPL Pioneer Reveals Groundbreaking Trading Approach

Binance’s Exit Boosts Kraken’s Popularity Among Canadian Crypto Traders

by

Kraken has experienced significant benefits from its decision to remain operational in Canada, especially in light of the withdrawal announcements by competitors like Binance and OKX.

Following Binance’s announcement in early May, Kraken witnessed a 25% growth in customer deposits within the country. Additionally, when OKX revealed its plans to leave in March, Kraken observed a fivefold surge in downloads of its two mobile apps among Canadian clients within a week.

Earlier this year, Canada implemented stricter regulations for digital asset trading, prompting several major cryptocurrency exchanges to exit the market. In addition to Binance, OKX, Paxos, Blockchain.com, and Deribit also announced their departures. The most recent departure occurred earlier this week when Bybit made its exit.

Similar to Kraken, Coinbase (COIN), an exchange listed on Nasdaq, expressed its willingness to comply with Canada’s enhanced Pre-Registration Undertaking (PRU). In contrast to the regulatory ambiguity in the United States, Coinbase even expressed its appreciation for collaborating with a regulator that the company could actively engage with.

Kraken, on the other hand, has established a presence in Canada for over a decade. With a team of over 250 employees in the country, Kraken has been operating as a money services business since 2019. Mark Greenberg, the firm’s managing director for Canada, highlighted these facts.

Kraken’s adeptness in adapting to the changing regulatory landscape and offering a compliant platform has made it a compelling choice for Canadian traders. The notable increase in customer deposits and the rising number of app downloads among Canadian users signify a growing confidence and preference for Kraken as a trustworthy and regulated cryptocurrency exchange.

Greenberg expressed his positive view of the Canadian regulatory approach, stating, “I think the Canadian regulatory approach works for us.” He highlighted the aspects that Kraken appreciates, such as the emphasis on security of customer assets, which aligns with their longstanding practices. However, he also acknowledged certain aspects that are less favorable, such as trading and margin limitations.

One of the recently introduced and demanding provisions by the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) for crypto exchanges is the mandatory requirement for firms to hold a significant portion of client assets with a third-party custodian.

Kraken’s Review

PRO’s :

  • Good Option For Staking: Stake up to 14 cryptocurrencies on one the most secure crypto exchanges in the industry
  • Low Spreads & High Liquidity: 0.05% spread for Bitcoin which was 4th place when tested on Mar 2, 2022
  • Great Place to Cash Out CAD: Kraken scored 2nd best overall for selling BTC to CAD
  • Pro Trading: Powerful trading platform with many trading pairs, different order types, live order books margin and more
  • Best Reputation: Kraken has never had any hacks or incidents and it’s also one of the oldest platforms founded in 2011. They take security very seriously

CON’s :

  • Deposit Fees: Has e-transfer and wire transfer but it is not free like many other Canadian platforms
  • Total BTC Purchase Fee: 1.60% total fee when tested which was 7th overall. If you want to buy crypto with CAD, there are cheaper options out there like NDAX and Newton
  • Geo Restrictions: Some features and coins are restricted for Canadian residents (eg. Futures trading)
  • Not the Most Beginner Friendly: Much easier platforms are available in Canada like Newton or Shakepay

Binance’s Strategic Talent Reallocation Amidst Layoffs & Regulatory Challenges

by

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has reportedly initiated a series of layoffs, according to a recent report.

While the exact proportion of the affected workforce remains uncertain, sources familiar with the matter have suggested that the number could be significant. 

With approximately 8,000 employees, market rumors indicate that the layoffs in June could account for around 20% of Binance’s workforce.

Compensation plans for the affected employees will be formulated based on various factors, including geographical location. Interestingly, despite the ongoing layoffs, certain departments within Binance are continuing their recruitment efforts.

It is speculated that these layoffs could be attributed to the challenging overall market conditions and the company’s rapid expansion in the past.

Binance Clarifies: Not Rightsizing, But Strategic Talent Reallocation

Binance responded to the news, clarifying that this was not a case of “rightsizing” but rather a strategic reallocation of talent. The company emphasized that it would still be actively seeking to fill hundreds of open positions, highlighting its commitment to growth.

The exchange stated that they periodically review their talent allocation and resources to ensure the right fit for their teams, which sometimes necessitates parting ways with underperforming employees or those who do not align with the organization’s culture.

The declining market share of the exchange over the past few months has raised concerns within the industry. This downward trend has coincided with a decrease in overall trading volumes, signaling potential challenges for the exchange. 

Furthermore, Binance’s market share decline may have been influenced by recent regulatory actions taken against the company and its CEO, Changpeng Zhao, by U.S. authorities in March.

Despite these setbacks, the exchange remains optimistic about the future. The company spokesperson reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to their users, asserting that user satisfaction remains their top priority. 

Additionally, the exchange expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing growth within their organization, citing strong new user registrations and a promising pipeline of innovation across the Binance ecosystem.

However, as the crypto landscape continues to evolve, Binance faces the task of navigating regulatory challenges while maintaining its position as a leading exchange. 

The impact of these layoffs, coupled with the company’s strategic reallocation of resources, will likely play a significant role in shaping Binance’s future trajectory.

Related Reading | Powering The Future: Tether Ventures Into Sustainable Bitcoin Mining In Uruguay

Bitcoin Trading At Steep Discount On Binance Australia As Traders Rush To Cash Out

by

Bitcoin is experiencing a substantial price drop on the Australian branch of the Binance crypto exchange. Reports indicate that the leading cryptocurrency has plummeted by as much as 21% when traded against the Australian dollar. 

This sudden decline has prompted traders to scramble and cash out their crypto holdings into Australian dollars before the imminent closure of local bank withdrawals.

The trouble began on May 18 when Binance Australia announced the suspension of its Australian dollar services following a decision made by its third-party payments provider. 

Immediate repercussions were seen as deposits via bank transfer came to a halt. However, PayID service withdrawals are still permitted until June 1 at 5 pm local time. 

Concerns are mounting among Australian clients as the exchange has warned that any remaining Australian dollars on the platform after May 31 will be automatically converted into USDT, further fueling the rush to cash out.

Reduced Liquidity In Australian Dollar Pairs Cited As Cause By Binance

Binance has attributed the trading discounts of Bitcoin and other digital assets on its Australian platform to reduced liquidity in Australian dollar pairs. 

In a statement, a spokesperson for the exchange explained that the anticipation of the platform’s AUD withdrawal services suspension, referred to as the “off-ramp closure,” has prompted users to withdraw their AUD holdings, resulting in reduced liquidity and impacting prices.

As a consequence of the impending closure, Binance Australia will be delisting the remaining AUD pairs. However, the exchange remains committed to securing additional fiat relationships to serve its users better.

Australian crypto traders are currently seizing the opportunity presented by the massive arbitrage available from the price discount. 

Data from CryptoCompare reveals that Bitcoin is trading at AUD 34,250 (USD $22,345) on Binance Australia, significantly lower than its counterparts on IndependentReserve, Luno, and Kraken, where it is being exchanged for over AUD 42,000 (USD $27,401). 

image 96

This pattern is also evident with other digital assets like Ethereum, which is trading at AUD 2,375 on Binance Australia, compared to over AUD 2,900 on rival exchanges.

However, the discount in prices has created a frenzy within the Australian crypto community, as traders scramble to take advantage of the unique opportunity before it disappears. 

While Binance Australia’s decision has caused temporary disruptions, the future remains uncertain as the crypto industry continually adapts to new challenges and opportunities.

Related Reading | Bitcoin Whales Pivot to DigiToads (TOADS) Amid Growing Confidence 

Binance To Discontinue Services For Japanese Residents, Plans New Local Platform

by

Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, announced that it would discontinue its services for residents of Japan starting November 30, 2023. The move comes as Binance seeks to comply with local regulations and establish a new platform dedicated to Japanese users. 

The migration process for Japan resident users to complete identity verification, also known as KYC (Know Your Customer), will be available from August 1 until November 30, 2023.

In a blog post, Binance expressed its commitment to creating a platform that fully complies with Japanese laws and regulations. The new local platform is expected to launch this summer, although the exact date and additional details will be provided in the coming months.

As part of the transition, the exchange has outlined a schedule of gradual restrictions on its global platform and the migration process to the new local platform. Starting May 26, 2023, Japan resident users will not be able to open new derivative accounts. 

On June 9, options and BLVT (Binance Leveraged Tokens) trading will be limited, and all pending orders will be canceled. By June 23, users must close any existing options and BLVT positions.

Further restrictions will take effect in the following months. On November 30, spot trading services will be discontinued, and any open positions related to spot trading will be canceled automatically. Unpermitted tokens will be converted to Bitcoin (BTC) on the same day.

Limited Token Availability On Binance Japan

Binance Japan’s new platform will initially offer over 30 tokens for spot trading, subject to change. However, certain products and services, including derivatives, will be limited to comply with local regulations. Binance aims to expand its offerings in Japan in the future, potentially including derivatives, in a fully compliant manner.

For users with assets on Binance.com, the accounts held by local Japanese residents will enter “withdrawal-only mode” from December 1, 2023. It means that trading on the global platform will no longer be possible, and users will be required to withdraw their assets.

The exchange has provided a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to address user concerns. It clarifies the process for users with futures positions, BLVT subscriptions, options positions, and open positions in spot trading. 

The FAQs also cover topics such as the reason for the platform change, the availability of Binance.com for Japanese users, and the fate of non-permitted assets after the deadline.

However, Binance encourages users to complete the necessary actions before the deadlines to ensure a smooth transition. They emphasize their commitment to complying with local laws and regulations and bringing their services to Japanese users through the new local platform.

Related Reading | Crypto Critic Peter Schiff Flips Stance: Unveils Bitcoin NFT Art Collection

Binance Creates History As It Secures First License In Southeast Asia

by

Binance receives the green light from Thailand’s SEC to operate a crypto exchange and brokerage. This is its first license in Southeast Asia, thanks to the partnership with Gulf Energy Development, one of Thailand’s largest private power producers.

As per local sources, Binance will start operations in the fourth quarter of 2023 as a 51-49 joint venture with Gulf Innova, the fintech arm of Gulf Energy, which invested $20 million for a 0.4% stake in Binance’s U.S. operation. 

Speaking on the development, Richard Teng, regional head of Asia stated, “By harnessing Binance’s expertise together with Gulf’s established local presence and network, the exchange aims to showcase the full potential of blockchain technology to meet the needs of Thai users.”

With Binance’s entry, the local crypto market, currently dominated by Bitkub, will have a competitive platform. For the record, the CZ-led trading firm is the largest digital asset exchange in the world by trading volume.

Notably, homegrown Bitkub’s market share increased by almost 75%, when its nearest rival and no 2 Zipmex filed for bankruptcy after the Terra Luna fiasco in mid-2022.

In addition, the harsh crypto winter wiped out investors’ funds, with Thai digital asset exchanges experiencing a 79% decline in trading volume in 2017, which finally contributed to the demise of the global exchange FTX.

Further, Teng said that Thai users “can expect access to a trusted and regulated service that prioritizes user security alongside compliance with local regulations” from Binance. 

Recently, the crypto behemoth declared that it would discontinue various trading pairs, including those for well-known coins like Cardano [ADA], Ripple [XRP], and Polygon [MATIC].

Binance Removed ADA, SHIB Trading Pair

The Shiba Inu [SHIB] token has also been impacted by this change, which is scheduled to go into effect on June 1, 2023, at 6:00 a.m. UTC.

The list of affected pairs also includes the newly delisted SHIB/AUD, XRP/AUD, MATIC/AUD, and ADA/AUD. Aside from these, trading pairs for AUD/BUSD, AUD/USDT, BNB/AUD, BTC/AUD, DOGE/AUD, ETH/AUD, and GALA/AUD will also be discontinued.

Continuing its expansion, Binance embarked on the NFT lending scene by rolling out a new feature that allowed users to borrow cryptocurrencies using NFTs as collateral.

According to sources, the Binance NFT marketplace presently allows borrowing of ether [ETH] against popular or “blue-chip” NFTs including Bored Ape Yacht Club [BAYC], Mutant Ape Yacht Club [MAYC], Azuki, and Doodles.

Floki Inu Takes Flight With Binance TR Listing: Trading Volume Soars By 70%

by

In an exciting announcement, the renowned cryptocurrency, FLOKI, has made its presence felt once again. The team behind Floki Inu recently took to Twitter, announcing a significant development that has set the crypto community abuzz. 

According to the tweet, Binance TR, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, will be listing FLOKI in the TRY trading pair. For those unfamiliar with financial jargon, TRY stands for the Turkish Lira, Turkey’s national currency.

The decision to list the token in the TRY trading pair is particularly noteworthy due to the immense popularity of FLOKI in Turkey. This move will undoubtedly enhance accessibility for Turkish investors and crypto enthusiasts, allowing them to trade and invest in the token easily. 

With Turkey emerging as a hotbed of FLOKI supporters, this listing is set further to strengthen the cryptocurrency’s position within the country.

The commencement of trading is scheduled for 8 am UTC on May 24, 2023, marking a significant milestone for FLOKI and its ardent followers. This development comes on the heels of Binance TP’s announcement on Twitter.

The cryptocurrency exchange expressed its commitment to community engagement and revealed its decision to list the Turkish Lira. Alongside FLOKI, Binance TP also disclosed that they would list CITY, the digital asset associated with Manchester City Football Club, another highly recognized brand.

The listing of FLOKI and CITY on the TRY trading pair is set to occur at 11:00 am on May 24, 2023, further solidifying Binance TP’s dedication to facilitating a diverse range of trading opportunities. The hashtag #buildtogether has been used by Binance TP, underscoring their commitment to fostering collaboration and growth within the crypto community.

However, as the clock ticks closer to the trading commencement time, crypto enthusiasts eagerly await the chance to participate in this new opportunity. With FLOKI’s popularity soaring and Binance TP’s proactive approach, the stage is set for a surge of trading activity in Turkey. 

Floki Inu Price Analysis

Following the announcement, the token is currently showing some bullish signs, as per the latest data from CoinMarketcap. The cryptocurrency is trading at $0.00003273, up by about 4.56% in the last 24 hours. However, the weekly chart recorded a decline of about 1.72%, indicating some market volatility. 

FLOKI 1D graph coinmarketcap 1
Source: CoinMarketcap

In addition, the token’s trading volume has increased by about 70%, reaching $34,878,321, whereas the market capitalization has increased by 4.64% in the last 24 hours.

Related Reading | PEPE Token Makes Waves: Bitfinex Listing & PancakeSwap Staking Opportunities

Binance Secures Dismissal in $8 Million Scam Lawsuit

by

In the past year, the world of cryptocurrencies has witnessed numerous legal battles. Binance, the leading cryptocurrency exchange, became embroiled in one such lawsuit. The case revolved around a crypto scam commonly known as a “pig butchering” scheme. The plaintiff asserted that this cryptocurrency exchange was accountable for her significant financial loss amounting to $8 million. However, it appears that the court ruling did not favor this claim, as a judge in Texas dismissed the alleged involvement of Binance in the case.

Divya Gadasalli, a Texas resident, suffered a loss of $8 million and subsequently sought legal help. According to sources, Gadasalli became a target of a fraudulent scheme led by Jerry Bulasa, whom she had encountered on the dating application Tinder. Allegedly, Bulasa lured Gadasalli with promises of romantic and financial prosperity. Consequently, she was convinced to transfer millions of dollars as part of the deceptive “pig butchering” scheme.

After discovering the fraudulent scheme, Gadasalli extended her legal efforts to include Binance, along with TD Bank, Abacus Federal Savings Bank, and Poloniex. In addition to initiating legal action against these entities, she also sought injunctive relief. Gadasalli’s decision to involve these institutions indicated her belief that they were involved in facilitating or enabling the fraudulent activities that led to her financial loss. In this case, she alleged that the exchange was complicit as it provided exchange services to the scammer involved in the scheme.

Lack of Evidence Exonerates Binance in the Case

In a recent ruling, U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant determined that there was insufficient substantial evidence to substantiate the assertion that this cryptocurrency exchange had played an active role in endorsing or facilitating the mentioned scam. The judge also highlighted that Gadasalli was unable to provide any concrete evidence regarding Binance’s direct involvement in the case. He stated:

“Considering the presented facts, it is possible that the stolen funds were eventually converted into cryptocurrency using this exchange. However, there is no indication that Texas was implicated in those transactions.”

Gadasalli contended that Binance and Binance.US were essentially indistinguishable entities. She put forth the argument that individuals utilized virtual private networks (VPNs) to circumvent restrictions and gain access to the exchange’s services.

Judge Mazzant also observed that Gadasalli was unable to provide evidence demonstrating that the fraudulent activities involving Binance took place within the jurisdiction of Texas. This was due to the fact that both Binance and Binance.US were prohibited from operating within the state. Consequently, the judge concluded that Gadasalli’s allegations against the exchange lacked the required evidence to establish a connection to Texas. This further restricted the legal foundation for her lawsuit against the exchange.

Binance & TradingView Unite For Seamless Spot Trading Experience

by

Binance, one of the world’s leading crypto exchanges, has made an exciting announcement today regarding its integration with TradingView, a popular platform known for its charting and analytics tools. 

This integration marks a significant milestone for Binance as it aims to expand its spot trading offerings and provide users with a seamless trading experience. It has extended this functionality to its spot trading platform after successfully integrating the exchange’s derivatives products on TradingView. 

Expanded Trading Strategies & Analysis Tools for Binance Users

Traders can now employ a wider range of strategies and conduct an in-depth analysis of their performance using TradingView’s comprehensive charting and analysis tools.

By integrating with TradingView, the exchange aims to attract a broader audience, including traditional investors relying on advanced analytical tools to identify potential opportunities within the crypto market.

This move underscores the exchange’s commitment to offering highly liquid products and facilitating the entry of mainstream investors into the world of digital assets.

Moreover, the availability of more advanced charting features and comprehensive market data further reinforces the position of cryptocurrencies as a viable asset class. 

Investors can now compare crypto tokens with traditional assets such as equities, commodities, and foreign exchange markets, all of which are readily available on TradingView.

Catherine Chen, Head of Binance VIP & Institutional, emphasized the significance of data accessibility for traders in any market. She stated:

Having more charting data better informs and develops our fast-growing industry as well as drives greater adoption with mainstream investors.

With the current market conditions and growing demand for information tools from both retail and institutional users, Binance recognizes the importance of providing a seamless and convenient trading experience, Chen added.

The integration with TradingView allows users to enjoy the benefits of a single sign-on process, granting them access to TradingView’s user-friendly interface while trading directly on the exchange. 

As the largest and most liquid digital asset exchange, it supports approximately 350 tokens and offers a staggering 1,400 spot trading pairs and 260 futures pairs. Additionally, Binance boasts one of the lowest fee structures in the market, starting at just 0.1%.

Despite the recent crosshair faced by the company, as Tronweekly reported, Binance Australia can’t process PayID AUD deposits. At the same time, Westpac Bank restricts Binance transactions to prevent scam losses. The integration between Binance and TradingView is expected to bring increased liquidity and depth to the digital asset market.

By providing traders with powerful analytical tools and seamless trading capabilities, the company is once again demonstrating its commitment to driving innovation and accessibility within the crypto industry.