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The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the Philippines has escalated its efforts to safeguard local investors by moving to block access to Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. This decisive action comes after the regulatory body identified that Binanc’e has been operating within the country without the necessary licenses, exposing Filipino investors to potential financial risks.
Regulatory Steps Forward Binance
The SEC has successfully secured approval from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to implement a nationwide prohibition on accessing Binance’s website and its various services. This move aims to clamp down on the unauthorized provision of crypto-related services to Filipino users, a significant concern given the country’s high crypto ownership rates.
Concerns Over Investor Safety
Emilio Aquino, Chairperson of the SEC, has expressed the commission’s concerns to the NTC, stating that Binance’s operations pose a serious threat to the financial well-being of investors in the Philippines. The exchange is accused of offering crypto savings accounts and leveraged trading options among other services, without the necessary regulatory approval.
Despite the lack of specific data on the number of Filipino Binance users, research by GWI indicates a substantial interest in cryptocurrency within the country, with over 9.3 million Filipinos owning cryptocurrency. This places the Philippines as the seventh largest nation in terms of crypto ownership worldwide.
Prior Warnings and International Challenges
The SEC had previously issued a warning in November, highlighting that Binance was conducting its operations in the country without the required permits. Furthermore, the commission has taken steps to curb Binance’s advertising efforts targeting Filipino consumers, calling on tech giants such as Google and Meta to restrict such advertisements.
Binance’s regulatory troubles are not confined to the Philippines. The exchange has been facing significant challenges in Nigeria since February, with recent developments including the detention and subsequent escape of its regional manager using a falsified passport. These events underline the growing scrutiny Binance faces from regulatory bodies worldwide.
Implications for the Crypto Landscape
This move by the Philippines’ SEC marks a significant step in the ongoing global effort to regulate the cryptocurrency market. It underscores the importance of exchanges operating within the legal frameworks of the countries they serve to ensure the safety and security of investors.
The decision to block Binance access in the Philippines sends a clear message to the crypto industry about the necessity of compliance with local regulations, setting a precedent for how countries might handle similar issues in the future.
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