Bitcoin (BTC) and BNB Begin Recovery as Market Digests Binance Plea

As of writing, BTC traded close to $36,400, having tanked over 4.5% to $35,700 Tuesday. BNB changed hands at $234, recovering from the overnight low of $223, CoinDesk data show. Both currencies, however, were still down 3.3% and 11.5% on a 24-hour basis, nursing hangover from Tuesday’s events, which saw Binance agree to a $4.3 billion settlement for violating sanctions and money-transmitting laws. Binance’s founder CZ pleaded guilty and stepped down as CEO in what’s called one of the largest corporate penalties ever, CoinDesk previously reported. Original

Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao steps down with response to the SEC following guilty plea

Binance faces a pivotal change as CEO Changpeng Zhao agrees to step down and the company prepares to pay $4.3 billion in fines, following a settlement with the SEC over anti-money laundering violations. Changpeng Zhao’s decision to step down as CEO of Binance and plead guilty to violating U.S. anti-money-laundering requirements has sparked a complex interaction with U.S. regulatory bodies, particularly in the context of a substantial settlement agreement. The unfolding situation involves intricate negotiations and exchanges between Zhao, Binance and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), according to…

Crypto markets mixed as traders digest DOJ action against Binance, CZ

Crypto markets were subjected to a heavy dose of volatility on Nov. 21 as the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and U.S. Treasury announced a $4.3-billion settlement with Binance and that former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao will plead guilty to one felony charge as part of a settlement over criminal and civil cases with the cryptocurrency exchange.  United States Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that the DOJ reached a $4.3 billion resolution with Binance and CZ. The agreement required CZ to plead guilty to…

Binance charges prove ‘following the rules’ was the right decision: Coinbase CEO

Brian Armstrong, CEO of crypto exchange Coinbase, thinks that his company made the right decision to comply with U.S. money transmitter licensing laws. In a Nov. 21 social media post, Armstrong weighed in on the news that rival exchange Binance is pleading guilty to criminal charges, stating that he is glad his own exchange decided to obtain money transmitter licenses, even though it put the company at a competitive disadvantage. Since the founding of Coinbase back in 2012 we have taken a long-term view. I knew we needed to embrace…

US officials announce $4.3B settlement with Binance, plea deal with CZ

Officials with the United States Department of Justice announced that Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao will plead guilty to one felony charge as part of a settlement over criminal and civil cases with the exchange. “In a Nov. 21 press conference, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that CZ entered his plea in person in U.S. federal court despite residing outside the country. He added that a $4.3-billion settlement with Binance and CZ would cover “civil regulatory enforcement actions” by government departments including the U.S. Treasury and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). According to…

Binance names Richard Teng CEO amid Changpeng Zhao’s forced departure

Binance has named its head of regional markets outside of the United States, Richard Teng, as its new CEO. The change comes as founder and former CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has resigned and pleaded guilty to charges levied against him by the U.S. Department of Justice.  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…