- Binance is advising multiple governments on crypto regulations and national bitcoin reserves.
- CEO Richard Teng credits U.S. policy shifts under Trump for renewed global interest in crypto.
- Binance shifts focus to compliance after legal issues, with 25% of staff now in regulatory roles.
Binance is assisting several governments in the digital asset regulations and national bitcoin reserve strategies. Richard Teng, CEO, confirmed that several other countries have asked the exchange for assistance. The announcement comes after policy shifts under President Donald Trump in the United States. The administration recently ordered the creation of a strategic bitcoin reserve and national digital asset stockpile.
Countries Seek Binance’s Guidance After US Policy Shift
According to Teng, the US is ahead in terms of crypto policy development and its actions are affecting other countries. He said, Binance is working closely with government officials and sovereign wealth funds on crypto frameworks and reserve planning. Teng, while refusing to name countries, said interest is growing worldwide. According to recent reports Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan gave Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao the status as a crypto adviser.
The United States currently holds about $17.1 billion in seized digital assets. These reserves are managed through platforms like Coinbase, according to Arkham Intelligence. The move to formalize a bitcoin reserve signals a changing attitude toward digital assets as financial infrastructure.
Binance is helping other nations consider similar strategies. The firm has been contacted by many countries for guidance on regulation and national reserves, said Teng. It comes after a period of legal scrutiny for Binance. In 2023, the exchange pleaded guilty to US criminal charges of money laundering and sanctions violations.
Binance Reinforces Compliance Following Legal Challenges
As part of a $4.3 billion settlement, Binance agreed to a five-year monitoring program overseen by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. CEO Changpeng Zhao stepped down and served four months in prison. Teng succeeded Zhao and focused on strengthening compliance within the company. Nearly 25% of Binance’s 6,000 employees now work in compliance, Teng said.
The exchange is still subject to investigation in other parts of the world. Authorities in French expanded their investigation of Binance’s operations over alleged rule breaches of anti-money laundering laws between 2019 and 2024. Despite ongoing legal issues, Binance has built better relations with US regulators. Teng said that after Trump returned to the presidency, the Securities and Exchange Commission paused its investigation.
However, he added that discussions with US regulators are ongoing and a resolution might be reached. Teng described recent sentiment as “shifting positively” toward the exchange. At the same time, Binance is considering setting up a global headquarters. If it goes this way, it will break from its previous decentralized operating model. However, Teng said senior management is looking at options and a decision should come soon.
The current engagement by the company with governments marks a notable change in its approach. Teng added that Binance is now structured better so that it can meet regulatory requirements. Despite past challenges, the firm’s influence is growing evidenced by its involvement in building national digital asset strategies. Binance has assured that it will continue to invest in oversight and compliance.
So far the US strategic reserve announcement has not resulted in large purchases of bitcoin. The officials said that the country plans to hold onto only assets seized by law enforcement. Upon Trump’s election victory in November, Bitcoin surged to $108,000. Although it has since dropped 10% over tariffs and global appetite for risk, among other concerns.
