Binance's recently appointed CEO, Richard Teng, has declined to disclose the global headquarters' location, adhering to the company's global image. Teng, in an interview with the Financial Times on Dec. 5, refused to provide specifics, stating, "Why do you feel so entitled to those answers… Is there a need for us to share all of this information publicly? No."
No Location Revelation:
Teng avoided discussing the company's base but revealed its European headquarters in France and Middle East headquarters in Dubai. The global headquarters, according to him, will be disclosed "as and when it's appropriate."
Audit Submission Without Specifics:
While Teng mentioned Binance's adherence to audits in regulated locations, he did not disclose the names of specific audit firms. This lack of transparency aligns with the approach of the former CEO, Changpeng Zhao, who maintained that Binance has no global headquarters.
Controversial Base of Operations:
The true base of Binance's operations has been a contentious issue, with allegations of ties to China persisting even after the official exit from the country years ago. Binance's website does not list any headquarters, describing a global advisory board with members worldwide.
Scrutiny Attracts Users:
Teng addressed the scrutiny and recent agreements with U.S. agencies, highlighting the appointment of a compliance monitor for up to five years. He emphasized the positive impact, stating, "That gave a lot of confidence to users, including institutional users approaching us aggressively."
Resolution of Charges:
Binance recently settled charges from U.S. agencies, including the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and two U.S. Treasury agencies. As part of the resolution, the company will pay significant fines and enhance its compliance efforts.
Former CEO's Guilty Plea:
Changpeng Zhao, Binance's previous CEO, pleaded guilty to related charges on Nov. 21, leading to his resignation. The sentencing is scheduled for February, and Teng has taken over as the new CEO.
The persistent refusal to disclose the company's headquarters raises concerns about transparency, contributing to the ongoing controversy surrounding Binance's operations.