Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) shared key insights during a live show in Abu Dhabi, reflecting on the exchange's past regulatory challenges and future strategy. CZ stated that if launching a new crypto platform today, his first move would be to block U.S. users until all required licenses are secured. He rejected claims that Binance ignored regulations, emphasizing that the industry lacked clear rules during its early years and that protecting users always drove the company’s decisions.
In a separate segment, CZ addressed Binance’s withdrawal of its Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license application in Greece. While he saw no evidence that European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde personally intervened, he believes political factors, not compliance deficiencies, changed the outcome after the application was near approval. CZ clarified that Binance still plans to pursue MiCA authorization in other EU countries, signaling continued expansion despite the setback.
