The cryptocurrency world is reeling from the sudden resignation of Changpeng Zhao, commonly known as CZ, the CEO of Binance, the largest global cryptocurrency exchange. This unexpected move, combined with CZ pleading guilty to criminal charges levied by the United States Justice Department, has sent Binance Coin (BNB) into a tailspin, with its value plummeting by 2% in just an hour, a steeper decline than any other top 20 cryptocurrency.
Legal Woes Lead to Leadership Shuffle at Binance
CZ’s departure from Binance marks a significant turning point in the ongoing legal drama surrounding the crypto exchange. Facing a barrage of charges from the U.S. Justice Department, including anti-money laundering violations, CZ’s exit appears as the culmination of a protracted legal battle. The situation escalated with rumors and reports about his potential resignation, which has become a reality.
This high-profile resignation precedes what is expected to be a landmark settlement announcement, signaling the closure of a lengthy investigation process. Binance, like its peers Coinbase and Kraken, has been accused of operating without the necessary securities registrations in the U.S.
The Fallout on Binance Coin
In the wake of CZ’s exit, Binance Coin’s value has significantly dropped, causing concern among investors and traders. The legal intricacies that Binance is currently navigating, including allegations of operating an unregistered exchange and misleading investors, have only added to the uncertainties surrounding the future of the exchange and its native cryptocurrency.
The situation has reached a critical juncture with news that Binance is set to agree to a $4 billion settlement with the Justice Department, potentially ending a probe that began as early as 2018. This settlement, including anti-money laundering charges against CZ, could mark a new chapter for the crypto exchange.
As Binance, the DOJ, CFTC, and SEC have yet to comment publicly on these developments, the cryptocurrency community is left to speculate on the implications of these events and await a statement from CZ himself.
At the time of writing, BNB was worth $230.
Source: https://coinpedia.org/news/crypto-market-crash-binance-bnb-price-drops-heavily-following-resignation-of-ceo-changpeng-zhao/