Binance Gains In-Principal Approval from Bahrain Central Bank

Monday, 27/12/2021 | 08:45 GMT by Arnab Shome
  • It is the first regulatory nod received by the exchange in the MENA region.
  • The exchange is now pushing to gain a full license.
crypto bahrain

Binance announced on Monday that it has received in-principal approval from the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) to operate as a crypto-asset service provider in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The exchange now has to complete its full application process with the Bahrain regulator, which it is expecting to complete in the ‘due course’.

“Recognition and approval from national regulators, such as the Central Bank of Bahrain, is essential to build trust in crypto and blockchain and help further improve mass adoption,” said the Binance Co-Founder and CEO, Changpeng Zhao.

“The CBB has been a progressive pioneer in developing a robust crypto-asset framework focusing on compliance with global standards of anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, transaction monitoring, consumer protection amongst others. It sets a benchmark bridging traditional financial systems and the crypto industry to facilitate safe adoption and deployment.”

This was the first regulatory approval gained by Binance in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and indicates the willingness of the exchange to make Bahrain its operational hub in the region.

Push to Become Regulated

In addition, the licensing came when the global exchange is pushing to make its operations regulated across jurisdictions. Moreover, the exchange is looking for a global base to move away from its decentralized operations structure.

Binance has faced dozens of regulatory warnings in the past several months for being operational as an unauthorized platform in most jurisdictions. Most recently, a Turkish regulatory fined the local unit of the exchange nearly $750,000 for anti-money laundering rules violations.

“The approval recognizes Binance’s commitment to comply fully with regulatory requirements and our broader commitment to anchor operations and activities in Bahrain,” Zhao, who is Binance’s poster boy, added.

Meanwhile, the exchange withdrew its application for a license in Singapore and is wrapping up its services in the city-state.

Binance announced on Monday that it has received in-principal approval from the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) to operate as a crypto-asset service provider in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The exchange now has to complete its full application process with the Bahrain regulator, which it is expecting to complete in the ‘due course’.

“Recognition and approval from national regulators, such as the Central Bank of Bahrain, is essential to build trust in crypto and blockchain and help further improve mass adoption,” said the Binance Co-Founder and CEO, Changpeng Zhao.

“The CBB has been a progressive pioneer in developing a robust crypto-asset framework focusing on compliance with global standards of anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, transaction monitoring, consumer protection amongst others. It sets a benchmark bridging traditional financial systems and the crypto industry to facilitate safe adoption and deployment.”

This was the first regulatory approval gained by Binance in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and indicates the willingness of the exchange to make Bahrain its operational hub in the region.

Push to Become Regulated

In addition, the licensing came when the global exchange is pushing to make its operations regulated across jurisdictions. Moreover, the exchange is looking for a global base to move away from its decentralized operations structure.

Binance has faced dozens of regulatory warnings in the past several months for being operational as an unauthorized platform in most jurisdictions. Most recently, a Turkish regulatory fined the local unit of the exchange nearly $750,000 for anti-money laundering rules violations.

“The approval recognizes Binance’s commitment to comply fully with regulatory requirements and our broader commitment to anchor operations and activities in Bahrain,” Zhao, who is Binance’s poster boy, added.

Meanwhile, the exchange withdrew its application for a license in Singapore and is wrapping up its services in the city-state.

About the Author: Arnab Shome
Arnab Shome
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About the Author: Arnab Shome
Arnab Shome is an electronics engineer-turned-financial editor. He holds a Bachelor of Technology from the National Institute of Technology, Agartala. He entered the retail trading industry about a decade ago, covering the cryptocurrency market for Finance Magnates, and later expanded his coverage to include forex and CFDs as well. His work at Finance Magnates includes C-level interviews, data-driven analysis, opinion pieces, and scoops of industry exclusives. He also contributes to Finance Magnates’ quarterly industry report. Area of coverage: 1. CFD broker-related news 2. Industry-related Regulatory updates and developments 3. New retail trading trends 4. Prop trading industry updates 5. Executive interviews Education: Bachelor of Technology - National Institute of Technology, Agartala (India)
  • 7315 Articles
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