In a major development in the cryptocurrency world, Binance, one of the largest digital currency exchanges, is now under intense regulatory scrutiny. Yes, again.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are stepping up oversight, creating what a former SEC officer calls a “compliance tsunami.”
Will Binance ride the wave this time too, or will this crackdown be the last straw? Read on.
Is Oversight Going to Be a Challenge?
Recent disclosures from the DOJ reveal a thorough supervisory role over Binance. This, combined with mandates from the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), poses a big challenge for the crypto giant.
John Reed Stark, an ex-SEC officer, emphasizes how unusual and intense this DOJ/FinCEN scrutiny is for an international financial company. The DOJ Compliance Monitor’s responsibilities cover a wide range and require a detailed 13-page summary to explain Binance’s compliance obligations.
Read More: SEC Stands Firm: Binance Battle Rages On Despite DOJ’s $4.3 Billion Settlement
SEC’s Strategic Moves
Although the SEC is not directly involved in the compliance settlements, it has taken a significant step by filing a “Notice of Supplementary Authority” in a federal court. This move allows the SEC to request judicial notice over details from the Binance-DOJ plea deal, potentially weakening Binance’s defense against SEC allegations.
Binance now has to meet an unprecedented level of compliance, involving new procedures, anti-circumvention controls, periodic reviews, comprehensive reporting, and investigation. Implementing these measures is expected to be a costly process, potentially running into tens of millions of dollars.
Now, What Next?
The future of Binance depends on how well it adapts to this heightened regulatory environment. Stark notes that the firm’s survival in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency market hinges largely on its response to these new challenges. Binance stands at a critical crossroads, facing both opportunities and obstacles in its path.
Also Read: Will Binance Exchange Find Balance Under Richard Teng’s Leadership?
The big question remains: Can Binance weather the storm and come out stronger, or will regulatory pressures prove too much? You decide.
