Why Binance’s US plea deal could be positive for crypto adoption
Is the settlement further indication that the crypto industry’s Wild West era is winding down, with a new epoch marked by regulation and taxation beginning? Many predicted that Binance would never embrace regulation — it would only pretend to comply in jurisdictions like the United States. No more. Binance pleading guilty to money laundering and other federal charges on Nov. 21 means it’s giving up its free-booting ways. It will also pay a $4.3 billion fine, the largest in the history of the U.S. Treasury Department. Moreover, Binance’s founder, CEO and principal owner Changpeng “CZ” Zhao — deemed by many the most powerful individual in crypto — will be sidelined from the firm for at least three years after the naming of a court-appointed monitor. Today, I stepped down as CEO of Binance. Admittedly, it was not easy to let go emotionally. But I know it is the right thing to do. I made mistakes, and I must take responsibility. This is best for our community, for Binance, and for myse...