Binance.US Struggles to Find Bank to Handle Its Customers' Cash

The U.S. arm of cryptocurrency exchange Binance is reportedly struggling to find a bank to handle its customers' cash after the failure of Signature Bank last month.

Previously, the deposits were sent to either Signature Bank or Silvergate Capital Corp, both seen as crypto-friendly banks. However, after both failed, the exchange is rushing to find a new banking partner, according to the report.

Binance.US is using at least one intermediary to store funds, the report said, adding that since the money is being held by a third party, it can slow down sending and moving funds.

The company has unsuccessfully tried to establish relationships with Cross River Bank and Customers Bancorp Inc., the report said, adding that banks are reluctant due to concerns over regulatory risk.

"We work with multiple U.S.-based banking and payment providers and continue to onboard new partners while upgrading our internal systems to create a more stable fiat platform and offer additional services," a spokesperson for Binance.US said in an interview.

Last month, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) sued Binance along with its CEO and former top compliance executive, alleging that they were operating an "illegal" exchange and a "sham" compliance program. Since the lawsuit, investors withdrew $1.6 billion from Binance.

Source: Reuters