Binance.US Still Suspended in Florida and Alaska Following CZ’s Guilty Plea

The legal problems surrounding Binance Binance - binance@miceneurol.com Centralised ExchangeCryptocurrenciesTrading AppCryptocurrency investment never seem to come to an end. The crypto exchange with an impending $4.3 Billion file to be paid to the CFTC, the Department of Justice, and other U.S. government agencies, is now under fire from regulators in Florida and Alaska. 

After the ex-CEO, pleaded guilty to three counts in November, the State regulators have barred Binance.US from serving residents in Florida and Alaska.

Background

In November 2023, a U.S. federal court accepted CZ’s guilty plea to Bank Secrecy Act violations. In December 2023, Binance.US underwent a rigorous settlement deal that not only imposed a hefty fine but also compelled the firm to operational changes. 

CZ’s guilty plea triggered regulatory actions with Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation, issuing an emergency suspension order against Binance.US. 

This license restricted the platform from operating in the state. Regulators argue that CZ’s guilty plea, making him an 80% shareholder in Binance.US, raises questions about the competency of the firm to oversee operations catering to American crypto traders.

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Regulatory Backlash

According to a January 25 report, regulatory authorities in Florida and Alaska have informed Binance.US that the cryptocurrency exchange is no longer permitted to cater to their residents.

In January 2024, the Alaska Division of Banking and Securities declined to renew Binance.US’s license. Additionally, Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation took action by issuing an emergency suspension order against Binance.US’s money transmitter license following CZ’s guilty plea.

While the U.S. government’s actions have targeted the global exchange’s U.S. operations, Binance.US has tried its best to reassure customers that it remains fully operational despite the legal troubles surrounding its founder. 

Late last year, regulators in Arkansas, Illinois, and South Dakota reportedly reached agreements with Binance.US to allow its continued operation in those states, contingent on irreversible changes to CZ’s voting rights.

Despite CZ’s attempts to use his $4.5 billion stake in Binance.US as security for travel permissions, a recent court ruling denied his request. As CZ faces sentencing on February 23, 2024, with a potential 18-month prison term, the regulatory challenges surrounding Binance.US add another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal saga.

In Conclusion

Binance.US finds itself in the regulatory crosshairs in Florida and Alaska, following the consequences of CZ’s guilty plea. Presently still tied in a lawsuit against the U.S. SEC, the fate of Binance.US remains uncertain, considering its tainted history of security and misappropriation of customer funds.