Changpeng Rejected $40M Futures Exchange Offer From SBF

Maxwell Mutuma
October 4, 2023
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Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) reportedly turned down a $40 million proposal from ex-FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) in March 2019. The offer revolved around the establishment of a futures crypto exchange.

SBF’s vision was clear as a futures exchange that minimized risk in the volatile world of crypto trading. Traditionally, futures exchanges allow traders to leverage their funds against minimal collateral. However, the crypto market is volatile because of its rapid and substantial price fluctuations.

This volatility can result in exchanges incurring bad debts due to insufficient collateral. To counteract this, FTX’s proposed model would actively monitor trader activity. Moreover, when a trade exceeded the collateral, the system would liquidate the trader’s positions; this would cap any potential losses for the exchange.

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FTX Launches Futures Despite Binance Snub

However, Binance and FTX had contrasting objectives at the time since FTX aimed to serve institutional investors, and Binance focused predominantly on retail customers. After mulling over SBF’s proposal, CZ decided against funding it. Instead, Binance chose to develop its own in-house futures platform. This decision didn’t sit well with SBF, which led to him labeling CZ a “douche” for his choice.

Despite the setback, FTX launched its own futures exchange in 2019. Reflecting on the venture, SBF stated,

“If it works, it is worth billions of dollars, but I thought there was a better than 50 chance it wouldn’t work. I’d never done marketing. I’d never talked to the media. I’d never had customers. It was just different from anything that I’d ever done.”

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CZ Rejects FTX’s 2022 Acquisition Bid

Additionally, 2022 saw another interaction between the two CEOs. Amidst the FTX liquidity crisis, the platform approached Binance for a potential acquisition. However, CZ declined, asserting that the platform was beyond saving. The recent revelations have gained prominence as SBF’s trial commences in New York. He faces serious allegations of fraud and money laundering related to FTX’s downfall.

Read Also: FTX Creditors Could Get Full Recovery From Anthropic’s New Funding

 

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Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.

Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Maxwell is a crypto-economic analyst and Blockchain enthusiast, passionate about helping people understand the potential of decentralized technology. I write extensively on topics such as blockchain, cryptocurrency, tokens, and more for many publications. My goal is to spread knowledge about this revolutionary technology and its implications for economic freedom and social good.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.