- Rumors that Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is up for sale are unfounded.
- That is the message from Binance co‑founder Changpeng Zhao, known as “CZ,” in his most recent statements.
Binance “Not For Sale”
CZ, the former CEO of Binance who now leads YZi Labs, said the speculation that the exchange is being sold stems from FUD spread by “some nasty, self‑perceived competitor in Asia.”
“As a shareholder, Binance is not for sale,” CZ wrote on X on Monday, February 17.
His remarks echo comments from Binance co‑founder Yi He, who also dismissed the circulating claims as originating with a competitor. Yi noted that Binance receives frequent investment and partnership inquiries from industry players.
As a company, Binance remains open to strategic opportunities, Yi said, explaining that while the firm cannot rule out potential partners, any outside investments would likely be modest.
“Top investors have always shown interest in Binance. Over time, we may permit single‑digit percentage investments,” CZ added.
CZ’s comments follow significant speculation about a possible sale of the major centralized exchange. Zhao stepped down as Binance CEO in 2023 after reaching a settlement with U.S. authorities that included a four‑month prison sentence and a $4.3 billion fine for the exchange. Binance continues to face litigation with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Following the recent rumors, Binance’s native token BNB trimmed some of its earlier gains after a sharp rally the previous week. With CZ’s and Yi He’s statements emphasizing shareholder and company positions, market sentiment could shift back toward a more positive outlook.
BNB is trading near $673, roughly unchanged over the past 24 hours and up about 10% over the last seven days.