Easy
Binance 's head office: history, controversies and evolution
Binance is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchange platforms in the world, but a subject remains particularly opaque: where is its headquarters? Since its creation in 2017, Binance has voluntarily cultivated a vagueness around its domiciliation, adopting a decentralized model , without clearly defined seat.
This article explores Binance headquarters , the regulatory challenges that led to its lack of official domiciliation and the implications for its users.
Table of contents
Headquarters of Binance : a company born "without address"
Launched in 2017 by Changpeng Zhao (CZ) , Binance quickly dominated the cryptocurrency market thanks to a diversified offer, reduced costs and an efficient interface . However, from the start, the company chose not to establish a fixed headquarters , an approach which allowed it to escape certain strict regulations imposed on centralized exchanges.
➡️ First domiciliation: Shanghai (China)?
When it was launched, Binance seemed to operate from Shanghai. However, a few months after its creation, the platform moved its activities in Japan , anticipating the repression of the Chinese government against cryptocurrency platforms.
➡️ Moving to Malta (2018)
: an announced head office, then denied in 2018, Binance announces that it has set up its head office in Malta , a country renowned for its favorable policy for cryptocurrencies. CZ himself claims that Binance operates under the regulation of the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) .
But in 2020, the MFSA publicly denies this information: Binance is not regulated in Malta and has no official license in the country.
➡️ 2020-2022: a “siege” model
after the Maltese episode, Binance officially adopts a decentralized business model , explaining that it does not need a single headquarters . This approach makes it possible to adapt to local regulations while maintaining operational flexibility.
However, this strategy arouses tensions with several governments and regulators, which consider Binance as a platform operating illegally in certain territories.
Regulatory pressures and need for a headquarters
From 2021 , several financial authorities began to demand that Binance clarifies his status and his legal jurisdiction .
Regulators go up to the niche
Several countries take measures against Binance, prohibiting its services or imposing restrictions:
- United Kingdom (2021) : FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) declares that Binance cannot offer its services in Great Britain.
- Japan (2021) : FSA (Financial Services Agency) issues a warning against Binance for unregistered operations .
- Germany, Italy, Canada (2021-2022) : similar restrictions against the platform.
➡️ These attacks push out Binance to revise its model and to try to comply with local regulations.
More information here
2022: The arrival of Binance France SAS
In May 2022 , Binance obtained a recording as PSAN (service provider on digital assets) in France , under the name of Binance France SAS .
What does Binance France SAS represent?
- A legal entity registered with the AMF (Financial Markets Authority).
- It allows Binance to operate legally in France and offer services in accordance with local requirements.
- But it does not constitute a global headquarters.
Binance France SAS is a local subsidiary and not the official seat of Binance , which is still indefinite on a global scale.
Binance in 2025: a head office soon announced?
Since the appointment of Richard Teng as CEO in 2023, Binance seems to prepare official domiciliation .
In April 2024, Richard Teng confirmed that Binance is actively working on the establishment of a world headquarters . Several jurisdictions are under discussion, but no official announcement has yet been made.
➡️ Why now?
- Better acceptance of international regulators .
- The strengthening of legal obligations imposing on Crypto platforms to have an official address .
- A strategy to restore the confidence of users and institutions after CZ's legal problems in the United States.
Where could Binance establish its headquarters?
If Binance was to formalize a world seat , here are some possible destinations:
✅ Dubai : Binance is recorded there with the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and benefits from a favorable framework for cryptocurrencies.
✅ France : With Binance France SAS , France has a clear and attractive crypto regulation.
✅ Singapore : Binance already has a presence with offices and a legal entity.
✅ Caymans or Seychelles islands : Binance has historical entities there.
However, the platform remains vague on its intentions and could opt for a hybrid model with several regional seats.
What to remember from the status of the headquarters of Binance ?
- Binance does not have an official global headquarters , but operates via several local subsidiaries.
- The company attempted to settle in Malta , then broke out without a fixed seat before facing regulatory pressures.
- In 2022, Binance France SAS was recorded, but it is not the world headquarters.
- In 2024, Binance plans to announce an official seat , but nothing has yet been confirmed.
⚠️ What consequence for users?
For those who use Binance , the lack of clear headquarters can complicate certain legal and tax aspects .
💡 For any questions relating to the declaration of your Binance to taxes , it is advisable to consult a tax lawyer.
Investments in cryptocurrencies are risky. Crypternon could not be held responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused following the use of a property or service put forward in this article. Readers must do their own research before undertaking any action and investing only within the limits of their financial capacities. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This article does not constitute an investment .
Certain links of this article are sponsorship links, which means that if you buy a product or you register via these links, we will collect a commission on the part of the sponsored company. These commissions do not train any additional cost for you as a user and certain sponsorships allow you to access promotions.
AMF recommendations. There is no guaranteed high yield, a product with high performance potential implies a high risk. This risk taking must be in line with your project, your investment horizon and your ability to lose part of this savings. Do not invest if you are not ready to lose all or part of your capital .
To go further, read our pages legal notices , privacy policy and general conditions of use .
Yohan Uzzan
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.
