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Fintech CEO: The Paxful Data Leak that Wasn’t: A Cautionary Tale in Vendor Selection

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Last week,  it was reported that cryptocurrency exchange Paxful released a firm denial of an alleged data leak with 4.8 million entries. The company noted that the data from the supposed leak, which contained employee information among other items, was actually data which was illegally stolen from a third-party vendor.

“If you take Paxful at their word, and I’m not aware of any reason that we shouldn’t at this point, users can be relieved that the exchange wasn’t successfully hacked. But, the issue of incompetent vendors is one which all too often plagues cryptocurrency exchanges,” said Richard Gardner, CEO of Modulus, a US-based developer of ultra-high-performance trading and surveillance technology that powers global equities, derivatives, and digital asset exchanges. “It’s tough because the cryptocurrency space is relatively new, so most vendors are new, too. Those are the vendors who compete on cost, instead of on their industry success.”

“Fundamentally, however, cryptocurrency exchanges are, at their core, financial exchanges. The technology required to ensure they run flawlessly and with appropriate security measures in place — those things require experience in providing technology for exchanges. Building online auction sites or websites, dabbling in development… those kinds of vendors aren’t capable of handling the kinds of stress put onto a cryptocurrency exchange,” explained Gardner.

Modulus is known throughout the financial technology segment as a leader in the development of ultra-high frequency trading systems and blockchain technologies. Over the past twenty years, the company has built technology for the world’s most notable exchanges, with a client list which includes NASDAQ, Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Barclays, Siemens, Shell, Yahoo!, Microsoft, Cornell University, and the University of Chicago.

“What happens here is that these technology vendors watched Bitcoin explode, and they wanted to cash in on that opportunity. They built technology that’s shiny and works until put under stress. Then they charge rock bottom prices for it. Crypro-preneurs, looking to get to market fast and cheap, find themselves enamored with the offering. For years, the exchange runs without issue because the exchange never saw peak traffic. Once it’s successful and bringing in significant money, hackers will become interested in it. Even worse, the technology stack that powers the exchange isn’t set up to handle the volume demanded by success. Bad things happen. We’ve watched this movie before,” Gardner continued.

“How does this stop? Our industry needs to stop normalizing sub-par, cheap technology provided by suppliers without any experience in the field in which they’re now practicing. We need to normalize and prioritize security. In this case, if the vendor couldn’t secure their own house, how can they be trusted to work on exchange technology in any capacity? Luckily, Paxful executives noted that the vendor is no longer under contract. But, that vendor is very likely still supplying technology to dozens, or even hundreds, of other exchanges. It’s time to flip the script and value experience over sticker price,” opined Gardner.

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Cryptocurrency

Binance Loses Ground in Global Bitcoin Trading Amid Regulatory Challenges

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Crypto Exchange - Investors King

Binance, once a dominant force in global Bitcoin trading, is now facing significant headwinds as regulatory challenges and intensified competition reshape the industry.

Over the past year, Binance has share of the market had declined outside the United States.

According to data from research firm Kaiko, Binance’s market share in non-US Bitcoin trading has plummeted from 81.3% to 55.3%.

The trend is mirrored in the trading of smaller cryptocurrencies, known as altcoins, where Binance’s share has dropped from 58% to 50.5%.

The decline in Binance’s market share can be attributed to several factors. One significant factor is the cessation of a promotion that previously waived trading fees, which drew in substantial trading volumes.

With the end of this promotion, offshore markets have become less concentrated, allowing smaller exchanges to gain momentum and capture a larger share of the trading activity.

Platforms such as Bybit and OKX have emerged as formidable competitors to Binance, expanding their presence in regions like Asia.

Bybit, in particular, has seen its share of non-US Bitcoin trading surge from 2% to 9.3%, while OKX’s share has risen from 3% to 7.3%. These exchanges have capitalized on Binance’s vulnerabilities, seizing market share and establishing themselves as viable alternatives for cryptocurrency traders.

Binance’s challenges are further compounded by ongoing regulatory scrutiny and legal issues. In November of last year, Binance and its co-founder Changpeng Zhao pleaded guilty to US anti-money laundering and sanctions violations.

The company has since been working to rebuild its reputation and navigate a complex regulatory environment, particularly in the United States.

Under the leadership of its new CEO, Richard Teng, a former regulator in Singapore, Binance has implemented stricter token listing rules and appointed a board of directors to enhance oversight and compliance measures.

Despite these efforts, the exchange continues to face regulatory challenges and uncertainty, which have undoubtedly impacted its market position and reputation.

The broader cryptocurrency industry has experienced significant growth, fueled by a fourfold increase in the price of Bitcoin since the beginning of last year.

However, Binance’s diminishing market share underscores the rapidly changing dynamics of the industry, where regulatory compliance and competitive pressures are reshaping the landscape of global cryptocurrency trading.

As Binance navigates these challenges, the future of the exchange and its position in the cryptocurrency market remain uncertain.

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Binance Executive Nadeem Anjarwalla Arrested in Kenya, Faces Extradition

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Nadeem Anjarwalla

Nadeem Anjarwalla, the regional manager for Africa, has been apprehended by the Kenya Police Service.

Anjarwalla’s arrest, reported by Punch and confirmed by government sources familiar with the matter, marks a pivotal moment in the case that has garnered widespread attention within the cryptocurrency community and beyond.

The international criminal police organisation, Interpol, is actively involved in the proceedings and is working towards Anjarwalla’s extradition to Nigeria within the week.

This development underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the allegations against him.

Anjarwalla’s arrest follows a dramatic escape on March 22 from a guest house in Abuja, where he and Gambaryan had been held by Nigerian authorities.

Reportedly, Anjarwalla managed to flee while guards accompanied him to a nearby mosque for prayers during the Ramadan fast.

It’s alleged that Anjarwalla utilized a Kenyan passport to leave Nigeria, adding an international dimension to the legal complexities surrounding the case. Both Anjarwalla and Gambaryan were initially arrested and detained by Nigerian authorities on February 28, facing charges of tax evasion and money laundering.

While Anjarwalla faces extradition, his colleague, Tigran Gambaryan, remains in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria after undergoing legal proceedings.

The arrest of Anjarwalla has reignited discussions surrounding cryptocurrency regulation and the accountability of industry leaders.

Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, has been at the forefront of this debate as authorities seek to address potential financial misconduct within the sector.

Recently, Yuki, Gambaryan’s wife, made a heartfelt appeal to the Nigerian government, urging for her husband’s release and asserting his lack of influence over Binance’s corporate decisions.

The plea reflects the personal toll the legal proceedings have taken on individuals involved in the case.

As the legal process unfolds and extradition efforts continue, the case of Nadeem Anjarwalla serves as a stark reminder of the regulatory challenges facing the cryptocurrency industry and the global pursuit of financial transparency and accountability.

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Binance Set to Make a Comeback in India, Eyes Reentry with $2 Million Penalty

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Binance, the global cryptocurrency exchange, is preparing to reestablish its presence in India after being banned by the government earlier this year.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Binance is poised to return by agreeing to pay a penalty of approximately $2 million.

The move comes amidst a dynamic regulatory landscape in India, where authorities have been scrutinizing cryptocurrency trading platforms and their operations.

Binance, which was among the platforms facing regulatory heat, aims to navigate its return by addressing concerns and complying with regulatory requirements.

The decision to pay the penalty underscores Binance’s commitment to reentering the Indian market, despite the challenges posed by regulatory uncertainties.

By agreeing to the fine, the exchange seeks to demonstrate its willingness to cooperate with authorities and operate within the framework of Indian laws and regulations.

The return of Binance to India could have significant implications for the cryptocurrency ecosystem in the country.

As one of the largest exchanges globally, Binance’s reentry could provide Indian users with access to a wide range of digital assets and trading services.

However, the exchange is likely to face close scrutiny from regulators and policymakers as it resumes operations in India.

Authorities are expected to closely monitor Binance’s activities to ensure compliance with regulations and safeguard the interests of investors.

The $2 million penalty imposed on Binance reflects the challenges and complexities of operating in the cryptocurrency space, particularly in jurisdictions with evolving regulatory frameworks.

Despite these challenges, Binance appears determined to overcome hurdles and reestablish its foothold in the Indian market.

The reentry of Binance could also reignite discussions about the regulation of cryptocurrencies in India. As policymakers continue to grapple with the complexities of digital assets, the return of a major player like Binance is likely to spark debates about the appropriate regulatory approach to the cryptocurrency industry.

Overall, Binance’s decision to pay the penalty and pursue reentry into the Indian market underscores the exchange’s strategic vision and long-term commitment to serving users in one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency markets. As developments unfold, stakeholders will closely monitor Binance’s comeback and its implications for India’s crypto landscape.

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