The world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance, is set to withdraw its operations from Singapore. In the latter, Binance Asia Services Ltd., the Singapore crypto exchanger, said it withdrew its application for a license to operate a crypto exchange.
As a result, Binance should no longer seek further efforts to operate a regulated exchange crypto under the regulatory oversight of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Binance.sg, the fiat to encrypt the trading platform, is expected to be delisted in February 2022, the exchange told Bloomberg.
Well, the decision also ends long-standing speculation about Singapore’s emergence as Binance’s global headquarters. The company also noted that the decision has taken into account “global strategic, commercial and development considerations.” Richard Teng, CEO of the Singapore entity, said:
“We always put our users first, so our decision to close Binance.sg was not taken lightly. I thank the Monetary Authority of Singapore for their continued assistance to Binance Asia Services and I look forward to future opportunities to work together. "
Instead, Binance Asia noted that it will redirect its operations to blockchain technology. Interestingly, the decision to exit Singapore comes just a week after Binance acquires an 18% stake in Singapore-based crypto exchange Hg.
Binance Global Plans
Having received a lot of regulatory criticism this year, Binance appears to be optimizing its global operations. The fact that the crypto exchange does not have a global headquarters has infuriated investors around the world.
During his latest interview, Binance CEO Changepeng Zhao stated that they are working to rebuild their business in the UK. “We are fully committed there. We are making a number of substantial changes to organizational structures, product offering, our internal processes, and the way we work with regulators. We want to continue to establish a presence in the UK and serve UK users in a fully licensed and compliant manner, ”he said.
Zhao, who has lived in Singapore for two years, is sending mixed signals about where Binance finally plans to move: Europe or the Middle East.