Binance says choice to drag Abu Dhabi licensing bid unrelated to US settlement

by Jeremy

Cryptocurrency change Binance’s unit in Abu Dhabi has pulled an software with the Emirate’s monetary regulator, a transfer it claims was unrelated to the agency’s November settlement with authorities in the USA.

In a press release to Cointelegraph on Dec. 7, a Binance spokesperson mentioned the change had chosen to not transfer ahead with an software with Abu Dhabi’s Monetary Companies Regulatory Authority following an evaluation of its “international licensing wants.” The settlement, withdrawn by BV Funding Administration in November, would have allowed Binance to handle a collective funding fund.

The spokesperson mentioned Binance’s choice was “unrelated” to a $4.3 billion settlement with U.S. authorities, wherein Changpeng “CZ” Zhao pleaded responsible to 1 felony cost and stepped down as CEO. Binance’s former head of regional markets, Richard Teng, succeeded CZ and instructed Cointelegraph the change was “completely completely different” following the deal.

In keeping with its web site, Binance Restricted nonetheless has permission to conduct monetary providers associated to crypto custody within the Abu Dhabi International Market. The spokesperson mentioned Binance deliberate to proceed working with international regulators as a part of its growth — together with in Dubai and different nations.

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On Nov. 21, U.S. officers introduced they’d reached an settlement with Binance and CZ, requiring them to pay $4.3 billion in penalties. Zhao pleaded responsible to 1 felony depend for failure to keep up an efficient Anti-Cash Laundering program at Binance, violating the U.S. Financial institution Secrecy Act.

On the time of publication, Zhao was free on bail within the U.S. whereas a court docket thought of a movement permitting the previous CEO to return to his household within the United Arab Emirates. He might resist 18 months in jail at his February sentencing.

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