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Binance Headquarters: History, Controversies, and Evolution
Binance world's largest cryptocurrency exchange where is its headquarters? Since its creation in 2017, Binance has deliberately cultivated ambiguity around its domicile, adopting a decentralized model , without a clearly defined fixed headquarters.
This article explores Binance 's headquarters status , the regulatory challenges that led to its lack of a formal registered office, and the implications for its users.
Table of contents
Binance Headquarters: A company born "without an address"
Launched in 2017 by Changpeng Zhao (CZ) , Binance quickly dominated the cryptocurrency market thanks to a diverse offering, low fees, and a high-performing interface . However, from the outset, the company chose not to establish a fixed headquarters , an approach that allowed it to circumvent some of the strict regulations imposed on centralized exchanges.
➡️ Initial headquarters: Shanghai (China)?
At its launch, Binance appeared to operate from Shanghai. However, a few months after its creation, the platform moved its operations to Japan , anticipating the Chinese government's crackdown on cryptocurrency platforms.
➡️ Relocation to Malta (2018)
: Headquarters announced, then denied. In 2018, Binance announced it had established its headquarters in Malta , a country known for its favorable policies towards cryptocurrencies. CZ himself stated that Binance operates under the regulation of the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) .
But in 2020, the MFSA publicly denied this information: Binance is not regulated in Malta and does not hold any official license in the country.
➡️ 2020-2022: A "Headquartersless" Model
Following the Maltese episode, Binance officially adopted a decentralized business model , explaining that it did not need a single headquarters . This approach allows it to adapt to local regulations while maintaining operational flexibility.
However, this strategy is causing tension with several governments and regulators, who consider Binance to be a platform operating illegally in certain territories.
Regulatory pressures and the need for a head office
Starting in 2021 , several financial authorities began demanding that Binance clarifies its status and legal jurisdiction .
Regulators are taking a stand
Several countries are taking action against Binance, banning its services or imposing restrictions:
- United Kingdom (2021) : The FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) declares that Binance cannot offer its services in Great Britain.
- Japan (2021) : The FSA (Financial Services Agency) issues a warning against Binance for unregistered transactions .
- Germany, Italy, Canada (2021-2022) : Similar restrictions against the platform.
➡️ These attacks are pushing Binance to revise its model and seek to comply with local regulations.
2022: The arrival of Binance France SAS
In May 2022 , Binance obtained registration as a PSAN (Digital Asset Service Provider) in France , under the name Binance France SAS .
What does Binance France SAS represent?
- A legal entity registered with the AMF (French Financial Markets Authority).
- It allows Binance to operate legally in France and to offer services that comply with local requirements.
- But it does not constitute a global headquarters.
Binance France SAS is a local subsidiary and not the official headquarters of Binance , which remains undefined globally.
Binance in 2025: A headquarters to be announced soon?
Richard Teng 's appointment as CEO in 2023, Binance appears to be preparing for an official domicile .
In April 2024, Richard Teng confirmed that Binance is actively working on establishing a global headquarters . Several jurisdictions are under discussion, but no official announcement has yet been made.
➡️ Why now?
- Greater acceptance from international regulators .
- The strengthening of legal obligations requiring crypto platforms to have an official address .
- A strategy to restore the trust of users and institutions after CZ's legal problems in the United States.
Where could Binance establish its headquarters?
If Binance were to officially establish a global headquarters , here are some possible locations:
✅ Dubai : Binance is registered with the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and benefits from a favorable environment for cryptocurrencies.
✅ France : With Binance France SAS , France has clear and attractive crypto regulations.
✅ Singapore : Binance already has a presence there with offices and a legal entity.
✅ Cayman Islands or Seychelles : Binance has established entities there.
However, the platform remains vague about its intentions and could opt for a hybrid model with several regional headquarters.
What should we remember about the status of Binance 's headquarters?
- Binance does not have an official global headquarters , but operates through several local subsidiaries.
- The company attempted to establish itself in Malta , then declared itself without a fixed headquarters before facing regulatory pressures.
- In 2022, Binance France SAS was registered, but this is not the global headquarters.
- In 2024, Binance plans to announce an official headquarters , but nothing has been confirmed yet.
⚠️ What are the consequences for users?
For those using Binance , the lack of a clear registered office can complicate certain legal and tax aspects .
💡 For any questions relating to declaring your Binance to the tax authorities , it is advisable to consult a tax lawyer.
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Yoann
Training engineer, I quickly became interested in the field of finance. Convinced that decentralized finance has a bright future ahead of it, I participate in its democratization by developing Crypternon.
