Binance Assigns Prime Brokers to Conduct Checks to Identify US Investors

Binance directs prime brokers, including FalconX and Hidden Road, to gather comprehensive client details, aiming to bolster compliance and regulatory efforts.
By Bhushan Akolkar
Binance Clarifies Stance Amid WazirX-Liminal Custody Blame Game

Highlights

  • Source said Binance instructed FalconX and Hidden Road to collect detailed information of the clients.
  • Binance said that it's also working on maintaining strict vigilance for its digital asset listings.
  • Binance has rebounded well since the regulatory action last year, BNB price surged 80% in 2024.

Binance has reportedly instructed prime brokers to implement stricter verification procedures to prevent US investors from accessing the cryptocurrency exchange. This action follows the fallout from the plea deal struck with US authorities last year.

Binance Asks Prime Brokers to Tighten Security Checks

Since the period around November’s guilty pleas, Binance has instructed prime brokers like FalconX and Hidden Road, serving institutional traders, to collect more detailed information from their clients. These instructions come as part of efforts to enhance compliance and regulatory measures.

The checks involve inquiries about office locations, and the whereabouts of employees and founders, and necessitate signed attestations from respondents verifying the accuracy of their responses.

In November, Binance pleaded guilty to violations of US anti-money laundering and sanctions laws, resulting in a landmark $4.3 billion penalty. The Department of Justice had accused Binance of targeting US customers, including significant traders, while failing to comply with relevant American legislation.

According to the Justice Department, Binance employees actively contacted VIP clients in the United States, urging them to provide information indicating that they were not situated within the United States.

Strict Vigilance on New Token Listings

Given this context, the cryptocurrency sector is vigilant regarding potential compliance adjustments at the pivotal digital asset trading platform. For example, insiders familiar with the matter have indicated that Binance has enhanced its criteria for listing new digital tokens, as reported by Bloomberg. In response to inquiries regarding stricter checks by prime brokers, Binance said:

“Binance is fully committed to compliance and has made public how it assesses end users who can access the Binance platform. By making its standard transparent, Binance gives clarity to enterprises who want to access its market-leading liquidity.”

The exchange referenced its Binance Link Program, designed to offer trading and connectivity services to enterprises, including exchanges, brokers, and automated trading platforms.

Last year, the platform’s portion of global spot crypto trading volumes declined to approximately 30% from nearly 60%, but it has rebounded to around 40% since then, as per CCData. A remarkable surge in Bitcoin’s price over the past year has revitalized speculative enthusiasm and trading activity in the digital asset industry.

The positive performance of BNB Coin, the native token of Binance’s exchange, suggests that digital asset traders are optimistic about the platform’s future. Moreover, BNB has surged by about 80% this year, surpassing Bitcoin’s growth rate.

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Bhushan Akolkar
Bhushan is a seasoned crypto writer with over eight years of experience spanning more than 10,000 contributions across multiple platforms like CoinGape, CoinSpeaker, Bitcoinist, Crypto News Flash, and others. Being a Fintech enthusiast, he loves reporting across Crypto, Blockchain, DeFi, Global Macros with a keen understanding in financial markets. 

He is committed to continuous learning and stays motivated by sharing the knowledge he acquires. In his free time, Bhushan enjoys reading thriller fiction novels and occasionally explores his culinary skills. Bhushan has a bachelors degree in electronics engineering, however, his interest in finance and economics drives him to crypto and blockchain.
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