CommEx, the successor of Binance in Russia, has recently announced its decision to cease operations, marking a significant development in the cryptocurrency industry. This decision follows CommEx’s acquisition of Binance’s Russian business in an undisclosed deal in September 2023. The announcement was made through CommEx’s official Telegram group on March 25, informing users about the immediate halt of deposits and the closure of new registrations.
CommEx announces operational suspension
The gradual suspension of operations on the platform was outlined in the announcement, urging users to withdraw their assets to third-party wallets promptly. According to the suspension roadmap provided by CommEx, futures trading services will cease on March 28, followed by the suspension of peer-to-peer exchange starting from April 2.
Ultimately, the platform plans to completely shut down its spot trading platform on April 23 and suspend its website by May 10. Users who retain assets on the platform beyond May 10, 2024, will be subjected to an asset management fee of 1% of their assets, as stated in the announcement. The transition from Binance to CommEx began with key executives, including Gleb Kostarev, vice president of Eastern Europe, stepping down in early September 2023, hinting at Binance’s potential exit from Russia.
While Binance did not disclose details about CommEx’s founders or executives, the transition raised curiosity among local crypto enthusiasts due to similarities between Binance and CommEx websites. The sale occurred when Russia accounted for a significant portion of user visits on Binance.com, underlining the strategic importance of the Russian market for cryptocurrency exchanges.
Regulatory challenges and global impact
The timing of the Binance-CommEx deal coincided with legal challenges faced by Binance and its former CEO Changpeng Zhao. In June 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a lawsuit against Binance, alleging the sale of unregistered securities and illegal operations in the United States. Zhao resigned from Binance and pleaded guilty in November 2023, remaining in the U.S. on bail with a substantial bond after a request to visit family in the United Arab Emirates was denied.
CommEx’s closure adds to the ongoing scrutiny faced by Binance globally, with more countries, including the Philippines, taking regulatory actions against the exchange. On March 25, the Philippines blocked local access to Binance, citing concerns over its unlicensed operations within the country.
Overall, the closure of CommEx underscores the challenges and complexities within the cryptocurrency industry, particularly regarding regulatory compliance and market dynamics. This event highlights the need for exchanges to navigate regulatory landscapes effectively and adapt to evolving market conditions.
