Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, is reportedly still maintaining a significant presence in China, despite the country’s ban on cryptocurrency trading and related activities. Internal data obtained by The Wall Street Journal indicates that users traded around $90 billion worth of crypto assets in China within a month, making China Binance’s largest market, contributing to around 20% of its global trading volume.
Binance’s operations in China have raised concerns due to the regulatory crackdown on cryptocurrency activities and the exchange’s alleged ties to the Chinese government. Binance has been accused of using various tactics to bypass restrictions, including redirecting users through different websites with Chinese domain names. The company’s persistent efforts to operate in China highlight its desire to retain a significant market share in the country.
The exchange has faced scrutiny from regulatory authorities in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, with allegations of operating without necessary licenses, inadequate anti-money laundering measures, and other compliance issues. Reports suggest that Chinese users have been using techniques to evade Binance’s know-your-customer (KYC) systems, raising questions about the platform’s effectiveness in preventing illicit activities.
Binance’s alleged connections to China, its regulatory challenges, and its strategies for operating in restricted regions have brought attention to the complexities and controversies surrounding the exchange’s global operations. The crypto industry continues to grapple with the evolving landscape of regulations and the efforts of exchanges to navigate these challenges while serving their users.