"Mix of Truth, FUD & Misconception,” Says CZ on Malta Regulation News
- This is old news & has always been the case, hence there is quite a bit of FUD turning this into a breaking story, Binance CEO

The financial markets watchdog in Malta, Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), has refuted media reports and other rumors going around that Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by traded value, is located in the country.
The regulator further states that Binance, originally founded in China, has never been granted the required authorization to offer financial services in or from Malta and is therefore not supervised by the MFSA.
The authority has previously warned many crypto firms against falsely advertising unregulated products as being supervised in Malta. The watchdog added that these financial promotions were unlikely to provide consumers with the clarity required by its rules and could leave them unable to understand whether the promoted products or services were beyond its remit.
The regulatory notice further reads that the watchdog is investigating "if Binance has any activities in Malta which may not fall within the realm of regulatory oversight."
Additionally, it said certain activities of Binance fall under the country's Virtual Financial Assets Act, which provides a set of rules for those operating a cryptocurrency-related business.
No smoke without fire
In turn, Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao has come out to assure its users that all claims about being based in Malta or opening offices there were completely untrue, which implicitly means that MFSA's warning makes no sense.
Speaking via an update on Twitter, CZ said, "there is a mix of truth, FUD & misconception. [Binance] is not headquartered or operated in Malta. This is old news & has always been the case, hence there is quite a bit of FUD turning this into a breaking story. The community's comments show that understanding."
Binance has a number of regulated entities around the world, either operated by our partners or by https://t.co/9rMMAmc1G9 directly. We work closely with regulators and comply with the rules in the places where we operate.
— CZ Binance ??? (@cz_binance) February 21, 2020
Binance has reportedly planned to open an office in Malta since 2018 when it had been running into legal trouble in Asia, including in Hong Kong and Japan, where it primarily operated.
Zhao Changpeng confirmed the news at this time, but he never provided a timeline for when the launch in Malta will take place. Also, in 2018, Binance revealed plans to launch a digital exchange specifically for security token trading in partnership with the Malta Stock Exchange Stock Exchange A stock exchange, also known as a securities exchange or bourse represents is a facility where stockbrokers and traders can buy and sell securities.This includes shares of stock, bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or other financial instruments. By extension, stock exchanges can also provide facilities for the issue and redemption of such securities and instruments and capital events including the payment of income and dividendsStock exchanges have developed into a permanent fixture in the financial market and some of the most visible entities in the entire industry. Nearly every developed country boasts a domestic stock exchange, with many varying in importance and size.The largest stock exchanges in the world as of May 2020 include the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ, Tokyo Stock Exchange, Hong Kong Stock Exchange, London Stock Exchange, EURONEXT, and Shenzen Stock Exchange. What Functions Do Stock Exchanges Perform?Stock exchanges have a variety of utility within the modern financial system. As its name suggests, a stock exchange is often the most important component of a stock market.Another crucial element of stock exchanges is the prevalence of initial public offerings (IPOs) of company stocks and bonds to investors. This is performed in both the primary market and subsequent trading the secondary market.Not any company or entity can be included on a stock exchange. To be able to trade a security on a certain exchange requires the listing of specific securities. Trading on an exchange is restricted to certified brokers who are members of the exchange. The traditional image of crowded trading floors has waned in recent years to include other various other trading venues.This includes electronic communication networks, alternative trading systems and "dark pools" which have ultimately seen the migration of trading activity away from traditional stock exchanges. A stock exchange, also known as a securities exchange or bourse represents is a facility where stockbrokers and traders can buy and sell securities.This includes shares of stock, bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or other financial instruments. By extension, stock exchanges can also provide facilities for the issue and redemption of such securities and instruments and capital events including the payment of income and dividendsStock exchanges have developed into a permanent fixture in the financial market and some of the most visible entities in the entire industry. Nearly every developed country boasts a domestic stock exchange, with many varying in importance and size.The largest stock exchanges in the world as of May 2020 include the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ, Tokyo Stock Exchange, Hong Kong Stock Exchange, London Stock Exchange, EURONEXT, and Shenzen Stock Exchange. What Functions Do Stock Exchanges Perform?Stock exchanges have a variety of utility within the modern financial system. As its name suggests, a stock exchange is often the most important component of a stock market.Another crucial element of stock exchanges is the prevalence of initial public offerings (IPOs) of company stocks and bonds to investors. This is performed in both the primary market and subsequent trading the secondary market.Not any company or entity can be included on a stock exchange. To be able to trade a security on a certain exchange requires the listing of specific securities. Trading on an exchange is restricted to certified brokers who are members of the exchange. The traditional image of crowded trading floors has waned in recent years to include other various other trading venues.This includes electronic communication networks, alternative trading systems and "dark pools" which have ultimately seen the migration of trading activity away from traditional stock exchanges. Read this Term.
Binance already moved its offices to Japan after the regulatory crackdowns in China against cryptocurrency businesses, but it wasn't welcomed there, though.
"Blockchain Blockchain Blockchain comprises a digital network of blocks with a comprehensive ledger of transactions made in a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or other altcoins.One of the signature features of blockchain is that it is maintained across more than one computer. The ledger can be public or private (permissioned.) In this sense, blockchain is immune to the manipulation of data making it not only open but verifiable. Because a blockchain is stored across a network of computers, it is very difficult to tamper with. The Evolution of BlockchainBlockchain was originally invented by an individual or group of people under the name of Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008. The purpose of blockchain was originally to serve as the public transaction ledger of Bitcoin, the world’s first cryptocurrency.In particular, bundles of transaction data, called “blocks”, are added to the ledger in a chronological fashion, forming a “chain.” These blocks include things like date, time, dollar amount, and (in some cases) the public addresses of the sender and the receiver.The computers responsible for upholding a blockchain network are called “nodes.” These nodes carry out the duties necessary to confirm the transactions and add them to the ledger. In exchange for their work, the nodes receive rewards in the form of crypto tokens.By storing data via a peer-to-peer network (P2P), blockchain controls for a wide range of risks that are traditionally inherent with data being held centrally.Of note, P2P blockchain networks lack centralized points of vulnerability. Consequently, hackers cannot exploit these networks via normalized means nor does the network possess a central failure point.In order to hack or alter a blockchain’s ledger, more than half of the nodes must be compromised. Looking ahead, blockchain technology is an area of extensive research across multiple industries, including financial services and payments, among others. Blockchain comprises a digital network of blocks with a comprehensive ledger of transactions made in a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or other altcoins.One of the signature features of blockchain is that it is maintained across more than one computer. The ledger can be public or private (permissioned.) In this sense, blockchain is immune to the manipulation of data making it not only open but verifiable. Because a blockchain is stored across a network of computers, it is very difficult to tamper with. The Evolution of BlockchainBlockchain was originally invented by an individual or group of people under the name of Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008. The purpose of blockchain was originally to serve as the public transaction ledger of Bitcoin, the world’s first cryptocurrency.In particular, bundles of transaction data, called “blocks”, are added to the ledger in a chronological fashion, forming a “chain.” These blocks include things like date, time, dollar amount, and (in some cases) the public addresses of the sender and the receiver.The computers responsible for upholding a blockchain network are called “nodes.” These nodes carry out the duties necessary to confirm the transactions and add them to the ledger. In exchange for their work, the nodes receive rewards in the form of crypto tokens.By storing data via a peer-to-peer network (P2P), blockchain controls for a wide range of risks that are traditionally inherent with data being held centrally.Of note, P2P blockchain networks lack centralized points of vulnerability. Consequently, hackers cannot exploit these networks via normalized means nor does the network possess a central failure point.In order to hack or alter a blockchain’s ledger, more than half of the nodes must be compromised. Looking ahead, blockchain technology is an area of extensive research across multiple industries, including financial services and payments, among others. Read this Term Island"
The Mediterranean island has been already one of the most desirable locations to set up shop in the blockchain space. The European Union's tiniest member has earned the name "Blockchain Island," with several top crypto exchanges have made Malta a central hub of their operations.
The financial regulator MFSA said earlier this year it has received 'Letters of Intent' from 34 prospective digital assets providers, of which are 21 crypto exchanges seeking authorization in Malta.
Until October 31, these crypto providers had been operating under the transitory provisions set out in the country's Virtual Financial Assets Act, which provides a set of rules for those operating a cryptocurrency-related business. Those wishing to continue providing their services in the rising crypto hub, following the expiry of the transitory period, are now required to apply for authorization with the MFSA.
With significant media attention being drawn towards the fledgling crypto-asset industry, the act also outlines stringent requirements for other service providers, including brokerages, portfolio managers, custodians, wallet providers, and investment advisors.
The financial markets watchdog in Malta, Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), has refuted media reports and other rumors going around that Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by traded value, is located in the country.
The regulator further states that Binance, originally founded in China, has never been granted the required authorization to offer financial services in or from Malta and is therefore not supervised by the MFSA.
The authority has previously warned many crypto firms against falsely advertising unregulated products as being supervised in Malta. The watchdog added that these financial promotions were unlikely to provide consumers with the clarity required by its rules and could leave them unable to understand whether the promoted products or services were beyond its remit.
The regulatory notice further reads that the watchdog is investigating "if Binance has any activities in Malta which may not fall within the realm of regulatory oversight."
Additionally, it said certain activities of Binance fall under the country's Virtual Financial Assets Act, which provides a set of rules for those operating a cryptocurrency-related business.
No smoke without fire
In turn, Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao has come out to assure its users that all claims about being based in Malta or opening offices there were completely untrue, which implicitly means that MFSA's warning makes no sense.
Speaking via an update on Twitter, CZ said, "there is a mix of truth, FUD & misconception. [Binance] is not headquartered or operated in Malta. This is old news & has always been the case, hence there is quite a bit of FUD turning this into a breaking story. The community's comments show that understanding."
Binance has a number of regulated entities around the world, either operated by our partners or by https://t.co/9rMMAmc1G9 directly. We work closely with regulators and comply with the rules in the places where we operate.
— CZ Binance ??? (@cz_binance) February 21, 2020
Binance has reportedly planned to open an office in Malta since 2018 when it had been running into legal trouble in Asia, including in Hong Kong and Japan, where it primarily operated.
Zhao Changpeng confirmed the news at this time, but he never provided a timeline for when the launch in Malta will take place. Also, in 2018, Binance revealed plans to launch a digital exchange specifically for security token trading in partnership with the Malta Stock Exchange Stock Exchange A stock exchange, also known as a securities exchange or bourse represents is a facility where stockbrokers and traders can buy and sell securities.This includes shares of stock, bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or other financial instruments. By extension, stock exchanges can also provide facilities for the issue and redemption of such securities and instruments and capital events including the payment of income and dividendsStock exchanges have developed into a permanent fixture in the financial market and some of the most visible entities in the entire industry. Nearly every developed country boasts a domestic stock exchange, with many varying in importance and size.The largest stock exchanges in the world as of May 2020 include the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ, Tokyo Stock Exchange, Hong Kong Stock Exchange, London Stock Exchange, EURONEXT, and Shenzen Stock Exchange. What Functions Do Stock Exchanges Perform?Stock exchanges have a variety of utility within the modern financial system. As its name suggests, a stock exchange is often the most important component of a stock market.Another crucial element of stock exchanges is the prevalence of initial public offerings (IPOs) of company stocks and bonds to investors. This is performed in both the primary market and subsequent trading the secondary market.Not any company or entity can be included on a stock exchange. To be able to trade a security on a certain exchange requires the listing of specific securities. Trading on an exchange is restricted to certified brokers who are members of the exchange. The traditional image of crowded trading floors has waned in recent years to include other various other trading venues.This includes electronic communication networks, alternative trading systems and "dark pools" which have ultimately seen the migration of trading activity away from traditional stock exchanges. A stock exchange, also known as a securities exchange or bourse represents is a facility where stockbrokers and traders can buy and sell securities.This includes shares of stock, bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or other financial instruments. By extension, stock exchanges can also provide facilities for the issue and redemption of such securities and instruments and capital events including the payment of income and dividendsStock exchanges have developed into a permanent fixture in the financial market and some of the most visible entities in the entire industry. Nearly every developed country boasts a domestic stock exchange, with many varying in importance and size.The largest stock exchanges in the world as of May 2020 include the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NASDAQ, Tokyo Stock Exchange, Hong Kong Stock Exchange, London Stock Exchange, EURONEXT, and Shenzen Stock Exchange. What Functions Do Stock Exchanges Perform?Stock exchanges have a variety of utility within the modern financial system. As its name suggests, a stock exchange is often the most important component of a stock market.Another crucial element of stock exchanges is the prevalence of initial public offerings (IPOs) of company stocks and bonds to investors. This is performed in both the primary market and subsequent trading the secondary market.Not any company or entity can be included on a stock exchange. To be able to trade a security on a certain exchange requires the listing of specific securities. Trading on an exchange is restricted to certified brokers who are members of the exchange. The traditional image of crowded trading floors has waned in recent years to include other various other trading venues.This includes electronic communication networks, alternative trading systems and "dark pools" which have ultimately seen the migration of trading activity away from traditional stock exchanges. Read this Term.
Binance already moved its offices to Japan after the regulatory crackdowns in China against cryptocurrency businesses, but it wasn't welcomed there, though.
"Blockchain Blockchain Blockchain comprises a digital network of blocks with a comprehensive ledger of transactions made in a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or other altcoins.One of the signature features of blockchain is that it is maintained across more than one computer. The ledger can be public or private (permissioned.) In this sense, blockchain is immune to the manipulation of data making it not only open but verifiable. Because a blockchain is stored across a network of computers, it is very difficult to tamper with. The Evolution of BlockchainBlockchain was originally invented by an individual or group of people under the name of Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008. The purpose of blockchain was originally to serve as the public transaction ledger of Bitcoin, the world’s first cryptocurrency.In particular, bundles of transaction data, called “blocks”, are added to the ledger in a chronological fashion, forming a “chain.” These blocks include things like date, time, dollar amount, and (in some cases) the public addresses of the sender and the receiver.The computers responsible for upholding a blockchain network are called “nodes.” These nodes carry out the duties necessary to confirm the transactions and add them to the ledger. In exchange for their work, the nodes receive rewards in the form of crypto tokens.By storing data via a peer-to-peer network (P2P), blockchain controls for a wide range of risks that are traditionally inherent with data being held centrally.Of note, P2P blockchain networks lack centralized points of vulnerability. Consequently, hackers cannot exploit these networks via normalized means nor does the network possess a central failure point.In order to hack or alter a blockchain’s ledger, more than half of the nodes must be compromised. Looking ahead, blockchain technology is an area of extensive research across multiple industries, including financial services and payments, among others. Blockchain comprises a digital network of blocks with a comprehensive ledger of transactions made in a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or other altcoins.One of the signature features of blockchain is that it is maintained across more than one computer. The ledger can be public or private (permissioned.) In this sense, blockchain is immune to the manipulation of data making it not only open but verifiable. Because a blockchain is stored across a network of computers, it is very difficult to tamper with. The Evolution of BlockchainBlockchain was originally invented by an individual or group of people under the name of Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008. The purpose of blockchain was originally to serve as the public transaction ledger of Bitcoin, the world’s first cryptocurrency.In particular, bundles of transaction data, called “blocks”, are added to the ledger in a chronological fashion, forming a “chain.” These blocks include things like date, time, dollar amount, and (in some cases) the public addresses of the sender and the receiver.The computers responsible for upholding a blockchain network are called “nodes.” These nodes carry out the duties necessary to confirm the transactions and add them to the ledger. In exchange for their work, the nodes receive rewards in the form of crypto tokens.By storing data via a peer-to-peer network (P2P), blockchain controls for a wide range of risks that are traditionally inherent with data being held centrally.Of note, P2P blockchain networks lack centralized points of vulnerability. Consequently, hackers cannot exploit these networks via normalized means nor does the network possess a central failure point.In order to hack or alter a blockchain’s ledger, more than half of the nodes must be compromised. Looking ahead, blockchain technology is an area of extensive research across multiple industries, including financial services and payments, among others. Read this Term Island"
The Mediterranean island has been already one of the most desirable locations to set up shop in the blockchain space. The European Union's tiniest member has earned the name "Blockchain Island," with several top crypto exchanges have made Malta a central hub of their operations.
The financial regulator MFSA said earlier this year it has received 'Letters of Intent' from 34 prospective digital assets providers, of which are 21 crypto exchanges seeking authorization in Malta.
Until October 31, these crypto providers had been operating under the transitory provisions set out in the country's Virtual Financial Assets Act, which provides a set of rules for those operating a cryptocurrency-related business. Those wishing to continue providing their services in the rising crypto hub, following the expiry of the transitory period, are now required to apply for authorization with the MFSA.
With significant media attention being drawn towards the fledgling crypto-asset industry, the act also outlines stringent requirements for other service providers, including brokerages, portfolio managers, custodians, wallet providers, and investment advisors.