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Binance CEO brushes off negativity, assures firm has ‘no liquidity issues’

Despite the so-called FUD, Changpeng Zhao said in reality, the crypto industry has scored a number of massive wins in recent weeks.

Binance co-founder and CEO Changpeng ‘CZ’ Zhao has hosed down recent rumors against his firm, assuring its balance sheet and employee retention remain robust, despite the recent market uncertainty.

The Binance boss blamed negative news, rumors, bank runs, lawsuits, the closing of fiat channels, product wind-downs and employee turnovers for creating an environment of FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt) in a Sept. 7 post on X (Twitter). 

He then used the opportunity to clarify Binance’s current financial position:

“Guess what we don't have? No liquidity issues,” CZ emphasized. “All withdrawals (and deposits) are properly handled. All customer funds are #SAFU, and 100% reserved.”

However, observers have noted at least 10 Binance executives have left the helm between July and September alone, including Patrick Hillmann, former chief strategy officer, Mayur Kamat, former product lead, Leon Foong, former head of Asia-Pacific and Steven Christie, former senior vice president for compliance.

CZ however explained in July that employee turnovers are a reality for every single company, especially those in a rapidly changing environment like crypto.

In a recent post, CZ said Binance "probably also [has] the lowest founding team turnover of any tech startup of our size and age, in the world."

Related: Binance to reimburse users $1M for Cyber Earn incident

Meanwhile, the Binance CEO pointed to some wins in the cryptocurrency industry lately, such as the launch of new fiat channels and products, new hires, and new markets in addition to some wins in the courtroom — notably Ripple and Grayscale Investment’s victories against the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Binance’s top strategist departs company amid reported US exec resignations

Patrick Hillmann confirmed in a tweet that would be departing the company "on good terms" after a two-year stint. The departure comes amid a trying time for Binance.

Binance's chief strategy officer Patrick Hillmann has confirmed he is leaving the crypto exchange amid reports that other top compliance executives in the United States have handed in their resignations.

On July 6, Patrick Hillmann tweeted: "I am leaving [Binance], but I’m doing so on good terms."

"I’ve been here for two years and it’s simply time for me to move on to the next challenge," said Hillmann, adding that he is now expecting his second child, "so the time is right for me to step aside."

The tweet follows a report from Fortune, that suggested several Binance executives including Hillmann left the exchange over CEO Changpeng "CZ" Zhao's response to the DOJ's investigation, citing an internal source.

General counsel Han Ng and senior vice president for compliance Steven Christie were reported to have left the exchange.

In response to reports, Zhao tweeted it was "FUD," claiming the reasons for the executive departures are "dreamed up" and "completely wrong."

A separate report from Bloomberg, also citing a source, stated that Binance's head of legal for APAC and MENA, Eleanor Hughes, will become the new general counsel replacing Ng, while Noah Perlamn, who joined as chief compliance officer in February, will remain at the company. 

Binance pointed to Zhao's tweet when asked for comment on the matter.

Related: Binance refers users to Coinmerce as exchange exits the Netherlands

The DOJ is reportedly investigating Binance for allowing Russians to use the exchange in violations of U.S. sanctions.

In June, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sued Binance for allegedly offering unregistered securities and misusing customer funds among other charges.

The Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) also sued Binance in March for allegedly failing to properly register with the regulator.

Magazine: $3.4B of Bitcoin in a popcorn tin — The Silk Road hacker’s story

Update (July 6, 11:15 pm UTC): This article has been updated with a tweet from Zhao and response from Binance.

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