Binance world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has grown into a global force in digital asset trading since its launch in 2017.
Binance is a cryptocurrency exchange where users can buy, sell, and trade digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of other tokens. What sets Binance apart is its high-speed trading infrastructure and the vast number of trading pairs it supports. From spot trading to futures, NFTs to peer-to-peer (P2P) exchanges, Binance offers one of the most complete crypto ecosystems today.
Binance was founded by Changpeng Zhao, widely known as “CZ,” in 2017. Before starting Binance, Zhao worked at Fusion Systems, developing high-frequency trading tech. He later joined Blockchain.info and then served as CTO of OKCoin. His experience in both finance and crypto laid the foundation for Binance’s explosive growth.
Binance’s launch and global relocation journey
Originally based in China, Binance moved its servers and operations after China banned cryptocurrency trading in 2017. The company shifted first to Japan, then to Malta, and eventually adopted a decentralized structure with no clear headquarters. Binance positioned itself as a global, borderless platform operating in various regions under local regulatory frameworks.
Co-founder Yi He, who worked with Zhao at OKCoin, played a vital role. She helped rewrite parts of the white paper and contributed to the successful $15 million initial coin offering (ICO) that launched Binance. Their collaboration has remained central to Binance’s strategic growth.
At its core, Binance functions as a digital marketplace for cryptocurrencies. Users can register and access services ranging from basic crypto swaps to advanced futures contracts. Binance has also launched its own native token, BNB (Build’N’Build), which users can utilize to pay for fees and access discounts across the platform.
In addition to being a trading hub, Binance also supports a decentralized wallet (Trust Wallet), fiat-to-crypto conversions through partnerships like Simplex, and its own blockchain network known as BNB Chain. Initially called Binance Smart Chain, it powers decentralized applications and smart contracts.
The platform’s ability to offer fast, reliable transactions with high liquidity is part of its appeal. It also supports educational programs, crypto donations and has made major investments, including a $500 million stake in Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter.
Founders’ vision and early milestones
Changpeng Zhao’s vision for Binance was to create a fast, user-friendly exchange with global access. The platform became the largest crypto exchange by market capitalization in early 2018. It rapidly added features like margin trading, staking, token launches, and support for multiple blockchain networks.
In 2019, Binance launched separate services like Binance.US to navigate regulatory restrictions in the U.S. It also acquired exchanges like WazirX in India and Sakura Exchange in Japan to expand its international footprint. The company introduced stablecoins, funded blockchain startups, and supported global crypto education programs.
Despite legal challenges, Binance remains a pioneering platform in the digital asset space.
Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, is not just a marketplace—it’s an evolving ecosystem shaped by technology, regulation, and global demand.