Giovanni Russo The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has encountered a setback in its efforts to scrutinize the technological infrastructure of Binance US. A federal judge has denied the SEC’s request for immediate access to inspect Binance US’ software, a move that comes amid allegations of non-cooperation by the American subsidiary of the leading cryptocurrency exchange.
Securities regulators in the United States were unable to secure approval from a judge for immediate access to examine the software utilized by Binance US as part of their case against the domestic arm of the world’s largest digital asset exchange, according to a report by Bloomberg.
The SEC has voiced its difficulties in obtaining information from Binance US since it initiated legal action against the company, its global affiliate, and Binance’s founder and CEO, Changpeng Zhao, back in June. As recently as September 18, the Commission sought to compel the firm to provide additional requested information.
In its legal filing, the SEC contended that Binance US had not fully complied with a consent order mandating the submission of documents related to the custody and control of customer cryptocurrency funds. The agency claims that the exchange has provided fewer than 250 documents and presented only three witnesses for deposition.
During a recent hearing, Federal Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui expressed reluctance to grant the SEC immediate access, insisting that the Commission should submit more targeted requests and engage with additional witnesses.
Faruqui’s decision to deny immediate access to Binance US’ systems represents a procedural setback for the SEC. The agency had previously alleged that Binance and its American subsidiary were not truly independent entities.
The SEC’s aim in inspecting Binance US’ technology is to identify potential connections to the global platform and ensure that the Miami-registered company maintains control over customer assets throughout the ongoing legal proceedings.
Binance US has resisted efforts to depose its executives, asserting that they lack direct knowledge regarding the security and custody of customer funds. Furthermore, the exchange’s legal team has characterized the SEC’s document search as “overbroad.”
While Binance managed to prevent the freezing of its U.S. platform’s assets in June, the legal battle with the SEC has had a significant impact on its American operations. Recent data from researcher Ccdata indicates that the platform’s monthly trading volume has plummeted by 98% since January 2022.
Confronted with challenges involving banking partners, Binance had to suspend U.S. dollar deposits earlier this year and announced a shift to crypto-only trading, accompanied by layoffs of a substantial number of employees. Additionally, three key executives at Binance US, including CEO Brian Shroder, have resigned, with the exchange reducing its workforce by a third in a recent wave of job cuts.
The outcome of the SEC’s lawsuit against Binance and its American subsidiary remains uncertain, with implications not only for the crypto exchange but also for the broader regulatory landscape in the United States. Share your expectations regarding the outcome of this legal battle in the comments section below.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about lawsuit against Binance US
What is the SEC’s lawsuit against Binance US about?
The SEC’s lawsuit against Binance US centers on allegations of non-cooperation by the American subsidiary of the cryptocurrency exchange Binance. The regulatory body has accused Binance US of failing to fully comply with a consent order that mandated the submission of documents related to the custody and control of customer cryptocurrency funds. The SEC also seeks to investigate the technological infrastructure of Binance US for potential links to the global Binance platform.
What was the SEC’s objective in seeking immediate access to Binance US’ software?
The SEC’s aim in requesting immediate access to Binance US’ software was to inspect the technological infrastructure of the cryptocurrency exchange. The regulator wanted to identify any potential connections between Binance US and the global Binance platform. Additionally, the SEC sought to ensure that Binance US maintained control over customer assets during the ongoing legal proceedings.
Why did the federal judge deny the SEC immediate access to Binance US’ systems?
The federal judge, Zia Faruqui, denied the SEC’s request for immediate access to Binance US’ systems for several reasons. He expressed reluctance to allow the inspection at that time and insisted that the SEC should submit more specific and targeted requests. Furthermore, the judge encouraged the SEC to engage with additional witnesses. Faruqui’s decision represented a procedural setback for the SEC’s efforts.
What impact has the legal battle had on Binance US?
The legal battle with the SEC has had a significant impact on Binance US. The cryptocurrency exchange experienced a substantial decline in its monthly trading volume, which plummeted by 98% from January 2022, according to recent data. Binance US also faced challenges with its banking partners, leading to the suspension of U.S. dollar deposits. To adapt to the situation, the exchange announced a transition to crypto-only trading and underwent a series of layoffs, including the resignation of key executives.
What are the implications of the SEC’s lawsuit against Binance US for the cryptocurrency industry?
The outcome of the SEC’s lawsuit against Binance US carries broader implications for the cryptocurrency industry in the United States. Depending on the result, it could set a precedent for regulatory oversight of cryptocurrency exchanges and their compliance with SEC mandates. Additionally, it may influence how other cryptocurrency platforms navigate regulatory scrutiny and cooperation with regulatory bodies in the future.
More about lawsuit against Binance US
- Bloomberg Report on SEC’s Lawsuit Against Binance US: Detailed coverage of the SEC’s legal action against Binance US and the developments in the case.
- Ccdata’s Latest Cryptocurrency Trading Volume Data: Access to up-to-date information on cryptocurrency trading volumes, including the significant decline in Binance US’ trading volume.
- SEC Official Website: The official website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, where you can find official statements and documents related to the lawsuit.
- Binance’s Official Website: Binance’s official platform for insights into the cryptocurrency exchange and any updates related to the legal proceedings.
- Cryptocurrency Regulation News: A reliable source for news and updates on cryptocurrency regulation, which may provide context for the SEC’s actions against Binance US.
