BitMEX Founder Lashes Out At US Agencies Over Treatment of CZ

In a recent statement, Arthur Hayes, the founder of BitMEX, shared his thoughts on Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the former CEO of Binance, and the broader implications of centralization in the cryptocurrency industry.

Targeting Binance Wasn’t Right Enough

Highlighting Binance’s rapid growth into the largest centralized trading venue for cryptocurrencies globally, Hayes emphasized the significance of CZ’s rise and the impact of centralized exchanges on the crypto landscape. He pointed out the paradox of financial and political establishments targeting intermediaries like Binance, which allowed individuals worldwide to directly own crypto assets, disrupting traditional power structures.

Hayes drew attention to the unprecedented $4.3 billion fine imposed on Binance, questioning the disproportionate punishment compared to the leniency shown to traditional financial institutions involved in major scandals. He criticized the arbitrary nature of state punishment and argued that the treatment of Binance reflects the transformative nature of crypto as a political, financial, and technological force. In his blog post, Hayes wrote:

“Did Former Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein get the same treatment as GS under his reign helped Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and financier Jho Loh steal more than $10 billion and saddle a developing country with more expensive international debt? No, Llyod got to retire with his stock options intact, and GS was not deemed criminally responsible. Did any Too Big to Fail bank CEOs get criminally prosecuted for precipitating the worst global financial crisis since the 1930s Great Depression?”

Learnings After the Recent Episode

In conclusion, Hayes urged crypto enthusiasts to recognize the importance of decentralized ownership and emphasized the need for individuals to control their private keys to truly embrace the principles of crypto and avoid becoming “slaves” to centralized entities. Hayes, who’s quite vocal regarding the crypto developments, also expects the Bitcoin price rally to continue.

Hayes also argued that individuals, including CZ, are “sinners in the eyes of Lord Satoshi” due to profiting from centralization, which goes against the decentralized principles envisioned by Bitcoin’s creator.

Similarly, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said that it’s time to turn the page after the Binance settlement and look ahead for clear regulations.