United States-based cryptocurrency exchange Binance.US has experienced a significant decline in its market share, reportedly dropping more than 20% due to an ongoing lawsuit filed by federal financial regulators. Data from Kaiko, cited in a July 5 report by Reuters, reveals that Binance.US’s market share in the U.S. decreased from over 22% in April to approximately 0.9% as of June 26.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) initiated a lawsuit against Binance.US, along with its parent company Binance and CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ), in June. The allegations pertain to operating as an unregistered securities exchange. Before this, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission had already filed a similar lawsuit against Binance and CZ in March.
Interestingly, while Coinbase is facing a comparable lawsuit from the SEC, it has observed an increase in market share. Reuters data indicates that Coinbase’s market share in the U.S. rose from around 48% to 55% in June. This surge could be attributed to Coinbase being named as a surveillance partner in asset managers’ efforts to launch a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the United States. The SEC filings by various firms aiming to launch such ETFs may have contributed to positive investor sentiment toward Coinbase.
On July 5, the media reported that the combined trading volume of spot and derivatives on centralized exchanges surpassed $2.7 trillion. This surge in volume can be partly attributed to an increase in investor sentiment following BlackRock’s filing for a spot Bitcoin ETF. It is worth noting that the SEC has not yet approved any spot cryptocurrency ETFs in the United States and has rejected multiple applications from different firms.
Coinbase experiences good fortune despite SEC lawsuit
The regulatory actions and lawsuits against Binance.US and Coinbase highlight the increasing scrutiny faced by cryptocurrency exchanges operating in the United States. As the industry continues to grow, regulatory bodies are working to ensure compliance and protect investors. These legal proceedings emphasize the importance of adhering to regulatory frameworks and obtaining appropriate licenses to operate within the bounds of the law.
While Binance.US has experienced a significant setback with its declining market share, it remains to be seen how the lawsuit will unfold and whether the company can recover its position in the U.S. market. Coinbase’s increase in market share indicates a level of resilience amidst regulatory challenges. However, the outcome of the SEC lawsuit against Coinbase will also play a crucial role in shaping the future of the exchange.
As the cryptocurrency market evolves, it is expected that regulatory oversight will intensify to safeguard investor interests and ensure the stability and integrity of the financial system. Market participants, including exchanges and asset managers, will need to navigate these regulatory landscapes diligently and adapt to evolving compliance requirements.
Binance.US has witnessed a significant drop in its market share amidst an ongoing regulatory lawsuit. Meanwhile, Coinbase has observed an increase in its market share, potentially due to its involvement in the spot Bitcoin ETF filings. These developments underscore the heightened scrutiny faced by cryptocurrency exchanges in the United States and emphasize the importance of compliance and regulatory adherence. As the legal proceedings progress, the industry will closely monitor the outcomes and their implications for the future of cryptocurrency exchanges in the United States.
