He Yi, co-founder of Binance, provided insights into the legal situation of Changpeng Zhao (CZ) at a recent event in Dubai. Despite CZ’s upcoming sentencing in the United States, Yi expressed optimism about the situation. CZ recently entered into a plea deal that resulted in his departure from Binance and the company forfeiting $4.3 billion. While a potential sentence of up to 10 years exists, sentencing guidelines suggest a more likely term of 12 to 18 months, with the final verdict expected on April 30. Yi also discussed Binance’s regulatory stance, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to combat regulatory challenges.
Binance recently obtained a crypto license in Dubai, allowing the exchange to operate in the country. The final requirement for the Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license was that CZ relinquish his voting power in Binance FZE, the exchange’s Dubai-based unit. In November 2023, Binance agreed to pay US authorities $4.3 billion as a settlement for violating the Bank Secrecy Act and failing to comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) guidelines. Following CZ’s resignation, Richard Teng assumed leadership and implemented strategic changes, including forming a new board of directors to enhance operational stability and regulatory compliance.
Yi also clarified CZ’s personal life, stating that they are not romantic partners but good friends and the mother of some of CZ’s children. Binance CEO Richard Teng revealed that the exchange is in discussions regarding selecting a new headquarters location in various jurisdictions, although a final decision has not been made. Binance is considering re-entering India’s market after being banned in late 2023, with plans to pay a penalty of approximately $2 million. The potential return to India hinges on registering with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and complying with relevant legislation, including the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and crypto taxation framework.
Despite regulatory challenges, Binance is actively cooperating with Nigerian authorities following the detention of its head of financial crime compliance on accusations of laundering over $35 million. The exchange is facing challenges in navigating regulatory environments in different jurisdictions, including the situation of another Binance official facing similar charges. However, Yi’s statements suggest a stable outlook regarding CZ’s situation and indicate a strong comeback for Binance’s future.Overall, Binance is working to address its regulatory issues, with plans to re-enter key markets and ensure compliance with relevant legislation. The exchange’s leadership changes and strategic restructuring under Richard Teng aim to enhance operational stability and regulatory compliance. Despite the challenges faced, Binance remains optimistic about its future prospects and is committed to navigating the complex regulatory landscape to continue its growth and success in the cryptocurrency market.
