YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — Changpeng Zhao (CZ), Binance’s co-founder, denied speculation that the cryptocurrency exchange is up for sale. The statement followed online discussions about Binance asset transfers and potential investor interest in acquiring a stake in the company.
On Feb. 17, Zhao addressed the claims on X, stating,
“Some lowly self-perceived competitor in Asia fudding about Binance (CEX) for sale. As a shareholder, Binance is not for sale.”
Earlier the same day, co-founder Yi He also refuted the rumors. She described them as a public relations tactic used by competitors to shift market focus. Yi confirmed that Binance remains open to mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships but is not selling the exchange.
Binance Asset Transfers Raise Questions
Speculation about Binance’s status increased after reports of large asset movements on the exchange. On Feb. 11, X user AB Kuai.Dong pointed out a significant drop in Binance’s Bitcoin holdings, fueling questions about a possible sale.
Binance later addressed the issue, explaining that the transfers were internal treasury accounting adjustments rather than asset liquidation. The company denied any connection between these movements and an ownership change.
Although CZ dismissed sale rumors, he acknowledged in a Bloomberg interview after his four-month prison sentence that he had received offers for his controlling stake. He did not name the interested buyers and said that he had not acted on any proposals.
Regulatory Challenges in France and the U.S.
Binance is facing regulatory investigations in multiple jurisdictions. In France, authorities are examining the exchange’s activities for potential money laundering and tax violations.
According to a Reuters report, the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating Binance’s operations between 2019 and 2024. The inquiry focuses on whether the exchange had links to money laundering networks tied to drug trafficking. Binance has denied all allegations.
In the United States, Binance’s legal situation changed on Feb. 10 when the exchange and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a joint motion to pause their ongoing legal case for 60 days.
Notably, both parties stated that a recently formed crypto task force could influence the case. A U.S. court approved the motion, temporarily halting proceedings. The decision represents a shift in Binance’s regulatory dealings in the country.
