The Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced its decision to restrict local access to Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange platform.
This decision, disclosed in a recent notice, stems from the crypto exchange's operation within the country without the required licensing.
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The SEC's initiative to limit Binance's operations in the Philippines follows a period of observation and warning. The regulatory body had previously flagged the cryptocurrency exchange in November 2023 for offering investment and trading services without obtaining the necessary regulatory approval.
This week, the SEC escalated its actions by formally requesting the assistance of the national telecommunications agency, aiming to block Binance's website and any associated web pages.
The restriction is intended to safeguard Filipino investors by curtailing their access to what the SEC perceives as an unlicensed and, therefore, potentially unsafe trading environment.
SEC Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino explained in a letter to the telecommunications agency:
The SEC has identified the aforementioned platform and concluded that the public’s continued access to these websites/apps poses a threat to the security of the funds of investing Filipinos.
Moreover, the SEC took issue with Binance's marketing strategies, pointing out the company's use of social media to attract investors from the Philippines without securing the appropriate regulatory clearances.
This development is a clear message to other crypto platforms operating in the Philippines and beyond, emphasizing the importance of compliance with local laws and regulations to ensure continued access to these growing markets.
Binance is also facing challenges in Nigeria. One of the crypto exchange's executives has recently used a fake passport to escape detention in the country amid tax evasion charges against Binance.
