Binance names alleged fake listing agents, offers up to $5M whistleblower reward

cointelegraphPublished on 2025-12-17Last updated on 2025-12-17

Abstract

Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, has issued a warning about fraudulent third parties falsely claiming to be "listing agents" who solicit fees in exchange for token listings. The exchange explicitly named several entities and individuals—including Central Research and BitABC—as unauthorized agents. Binance emphasized that projects must apply for listings directly through official channels and never via third parties. The company is offering a whistleblower reward of up to $5 million for valid information about such fraudsters and warned that it will take legal action against perpetrators. This move addresses long-standing criticism of Binance's listing process, which founder Changpeng Zhao has acknowledged as "broken."

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volumes, has released a new statement on its token listing process, cracking down on third-party involvement.

In a Wednesday announcement, Binance outlined the official pathways and requirements for token listings on its platform, emphasizing that projects should never engage with any third-party entities and apply for listings directly with the exchange.

The exchange has also identified several individuals and entities falsely claiming to be “Binance listing agents” offering to list on Binance in exchange for payment, including fraudulent players such as BitABC and Central Research.

“Please exercise caution and remember that Binance does not authorize anyone to offer such services,” Binance warned, adding that the exchange would offer significant rewards for valid information about listing fraudsters.

The list of perpetrators is not exhaustive

In a partial blacklist of fake listing agents, Binance named seven entities and individuals, including Central Research, which claims on its X account to represent an investment research organization.

The list also includes the crypto incubator BitABC, as well as individuals such as Fiona Lee, who presents herself on her Chinese-language X account as a former A-share trader and altcoin liquidity provider.

The list of persons and entities identified by Binance for falsely claiming to be fake listing agents. Source: Binance

Binance stressed that the blacklist is not exhaustive, urging the community to be vigilant and report fraudulent activities via the official whistleblowing channel at audit@binance.com.

Binance offers a bounty of up to $5 million to whistleblowers

“Binance will take strong measures, including legal action, against fraudulent brokers identified through reports,” the exchange said in the announcement.

The company has pledged to offer rewards of up to $5 million to those providing valid information about the fraudsters, stating:

“If you are contacted by any party claiming to be a Binance employee, affiliate, or representative — soliciting fees for trading support, listing assistance, or any other form of compensation — please report it to us immediately. We offer a bounty of up to $5 million to whistleblowers who provide valid information.”

The company emphasized that projects interested in listing on Binance can apply directly through official forms on respective platforms, including Spot Listing, Futures Listing and Alpha Featuring.

Founded in 2017, Binance has long been the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, handling roughly $11 billion in daily crypto trades and listing about 440 crypto assets at the time of writing, according to CoinGecko data.

The exchange has often been criticized for shortcomings in its token listing process, with Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao previously calling it flawed and suggesting that centralized exchanges (CEXs) should automate listings in a manner similar to decentralized exchanges (DEXs).

Related: Binance denies reports of delayed action over funds linked to Upbit hack

“As an observer, I think the Binance listing process is a bit broken. They announce, then list 4 hours later. The notice period is necessary, but in those 4 hours, the token prices go high on DEXes, and then people sell on CEX,” CZ wrote in an X post in February.

Cointelegraph contacted Binance for comment on its previous handling of fraudulent listing agents but had not received a response by the time of publication.


Trending Cryptos

ctr
CitreaCTR
wstusdt
wrapped stUSDTWSTUSDT
apr
CapricornAPR
ctx
Cryptex FinanceCTX
audio
AudiusAUDIO
comp
CompoundCOMP
mantra
MantraMANTRA
waxl
AxelarWAXL
bill
Billions NetworkBILL
pyth
PYTH (Pyth)PYTH
rune
THORChainRUNE
brev
BrevisBREV
cake
PancakeSwapCAKE
dos
DAPPOSDOS
jst
JUSTJST

Related Reads

Just Now, Sam Altman Blasts Dario Amodei as 'Anti-Human', Secret Model Exposed the Same Day

Just now, Sam Altman strongly criticized Dario (Amodei, co-founder of Anthropic), denouncing his "doomsday marketing" as "anti-human dictator rhetoric." This came alongside the accidental exposure of OpenAI's next-generation model, codenamed "gpt-nathree," hinting at the imminent release of GPT-6 Astra. The leak occurred when an OpenAI employee's public GitHub commit mentioned the codename. Combined with previous leaks of "gpt-mewfour," it suggests these are iterative checkpoints for OpenAI's upcoming agent model, Astra. Astra is known for multi-agent collaboration and long-duration task handling, having reportedly solved previously unsolved mathematical problems. Meanwhile, two new Anthropic model codenames, "claude-marshmallow-eap" and "claude-melon-eap," were also exposed but are believed to be iterations of the Claude 5 series, not a new flagship. In a wide-ranging podcast interview, Altman admitted he was wrong about the speed of AI-driven disruption, acknowledging societal inertia slows adoption. He fiercely criticized rivals' marketing that simultaneously promises immense benefits (like curing cancer) and warns of existential risk, calling it a dangerous "benevolent dictator" narrative that seeks to concentrate power. He emphasized that people are the ultimate purpose of AI. Altman also revealed OpenAI's unconventional, consensus-defying path: spending four and a half years in the "dark" without a public product before ChatGPT's breakthrough, driven by scaling laws rather than early customer feedback. He concluded that even with superintelligent AI, genuine human connection will remain irreplaceably valuable.

marsbit20m ago

Just Now, Sam Altman Blasts Dario Amodei as 'Anti-Human', Secret Model Exposed the Same Day

marsbit20m ago

Robinhood Chain's On-Chain Landscape Heats Up Again, $PONS Becomes the Cheapest High-Revenue Token

Robinhood Chain's token launchpad Pons ($PONS) has emerged as an outlier among high-revenue crypto tokens. According to Blockworks Research data, $PONS ranked 13th in revenue generation over the past 30 days, yet it holds the lowest FDV/revenue multiple at just 0.7x among the top 15 revenue-generating tokens. This stands in stark contrast to competitors like Pump.fun (7.7x), Aave (45.2x), and Chainlink (212.2x). Pons, often compared to pump.fun, is a non-custodial launchpad on Robinhood Chain. Its V2 upgrade introduced a bonding curve mechanism, with a portion of protocol fees directed to creators and the remainder constituting protocol revenue. Crucially, approximately 80% of this revenue is used to buy back and burn $PONS tokens, leading to a nearly 30% reduction in total supply to date. Despite this aggressive deflationary mechanism and significant revenue, the market prices $PONS conservatively. This skepticism stems from concerns over the quality and sustainability of its revenue, with some users questioning the potential impact of wash trading on reported figures. While supply continues to shrink, broader market recognition and a valuation multiple closer to peers will likely depend on sustained verification of genuine, high-quality protocol income.

marsbit30m ago

Robinhood Chain's On-Chain Landscape Heats Up Again, $PONS Becomes the Cheapest High-Revenue Token

marsbit30m ago

The 'Saving U.S. Treasuries' Baton Pass: Bessent Fumbled Last Week, This Week It's Wash's Turn

"Rescuing US Treasuries" Relay: After Bessent's Miss, All Eyes Are on Walsh Last week, US Treasury Secretary Bessent's announcement to at least double long-term Treasury buybacks failed to sustainably lower yields, which quickly rebounded. The market response saw a drop in the dollar alongside surges in gold and Bitcoin, interpreted as a "pressure release valve" for anxiety. The focus now shifts to Fed Chairman Walsh's upcoming Jackson Hole speech. Markets are highly sensitive to his message, seeking clarity on the Fed's policy response to stubborn inflation and worsening fiscal conditions. Analysts warn that a lack of new guidance could disappoint markets and worsen the sell-off in long-dated bonds. Analysts question the scale of Bessent's operations, noting they are too small relative to the overall debt market and do not constitute quantitative easing. A key issue is the Fed's massive holdings of long-term bonds, which distorts the market. With the Fed holding low-yielding short-term bonds that are losing money relative to its policy rate, discussion is growing around a potential Fed-led "Operation Twist." This would involve selling short-term bonds to buy long-term ones, aiming to lower long-end yields without expanding the balance sheet. The upcoming PCE inflation data will set the stage for Walsh's speech. However, the window for action is narrowing amid political pressures. A critical threshold is the 30-year yield at 5%; holding above it could increase stress on the dollar and leveraged sectors. Overall, the article suggests that without coordinated Fed action to anchor inflation expectations, Treasury interventions may ultimately fail, with investors increasingly looking to assets like gold as hedges.

marsbit51m ago

The 'Saving U.S. Treasuries' Baton Pass: Bessent Fumbled Last Week, This Week It's Wash's Turn

marsbit51m ago

Hyperliquid's Compliance Journey: From Permissionless to Permissioned via HIP-3

Hyperliquid’s Compliance Path: From Permissionless to Permissioned HIP-3 Hyperliquid currently blocks U.S. access because its permissionless, on-chain infrastructure conflicts with U.S. market structure laws, which restrict futures trading to registered exchanges, clearinghouses, and brokers. Through its Hyperliquid Policy Center (HPC), the project is advocating for regulatory modernization, proposing that regulated entities be allowed to build products on HyperCore (its exchange and clearing layer) while fulfilling their compliance obligations. The platform’s modular stack separates roles like a traditional exchange (DCM), clearinghouse (DCO), and broker (FCM), but reconstructs them on-chain with code. This enables permissionless access, self-custody, and 24/7 global trading, but clashes with U.S. rules requiring KYC, specific margin models, and custodial arrangements. To resolve this, HPC is engaging with U.S. regulators (CFTC, SEC) to seek clarity that deploying on-chain software does not itself trigger licensing, and to establish exemptions allowing non-custodial wallets to route users to regulated derivatives. Recent political signals suggest openness to this approach. On the technical side, Hyperliquid Labs has introduced permissioned HIP-3 deployers on testnet. These allow regulated entities to launch markets, perform KYC, and whitelist compliant users. While these create separate order books, whitelisted market makers can bridge liquidity between them, ensuring deep, shared liquidity across the same L1. Features like payload-based “PA” permissions enable DEX-level account controls (e.g., reduce-only orders), mirroring traditional broker authorities. The strategy is not to open the native, permissionless front-end to U.S. users, but to position Hyperliquid as neutral infrastructure that U.S. regulated firms can use while meeting their legal duties. This paves a compliant path for U.S. investor access while preserving the protocol’s core, permissionless nature.

marsbit1h ago

Hyperliquid's Compliance Journey: From Permissionless to Permissioned via HIP-3

marsbit1h ago

Two Funding Rounds in Three Months: The Chinese Version of Palantir is on Fire

Investment Community AI has learned that Beijing Zhongshu Ruizhi Technology Co., Ltd., a domestic industrial-grade causal intelligence and high-reliability decision-making AI company, has recently completed a strategic financing round worth hundreds of millions of RMB. This round saw participation from China Internet Investment Fund, Suzhou Chuangtou National Social Security Fund, Financial Street Capital, ICBC Capital, Kunlun Capital, among others, with existing shareholders also increasing their investment. This follows a Series B funding round in the hundreds of millions completed just three months prior. The rapid succession of two major funding rounds signifies strong market recognition of the company's underlying original technology and scaled commercial implementation. Often referred to as the "Chinese version of Palantir," Zhongshu Ruizhi is entering a new phase of accelerated technological iteration, widespread scenario replication, and scaled performance release, mirroring the explosive growth of China's AI market. Founded in April 2020 by Dr. Han Han, a Tsinghua University Ph.D. and former core drafter of national AI policies, the company is mission-driven to "move AI from the digital world to the physical world." It focuses on the high-reliability, strong-decision industrial AI track and enterprise-grade AI Agent full-stack infrastructure. The team tackles the challenge of applying AI to China's vast and complex industrial and energy systems by developing a new intelligent operating system from scratch. Its core technological breakthrough lies in three proprietary底层 technologies: meta-causal cognitive theory, causal models, and a dynamic ontology engine. These address critical pain points of generative large models in industrial settings—such as AI hallucinations, insufficient reasoning, lack of temporal logic, unverifiable decisions, and multi-source rule conflicts—thereby providing trustworthy, explainable, and executable智能决策 capabilities. Commercially, Zhongshu Ruizhi has achieved scaled deployment, serving over 50 central state-owned enterprises and industrial groups in sectors like power, petroleum, and aerospace, with implementations in more than 800 highly complex production scenarios. The company reported doubled revenue in 2025, demonstrating strong self-sufficiency and a viable business model—a rarity among new-generation AI firms. The latest funds will be allocated towards advancing foundational theoretical research, replicating successful application models to expand market presence (including overseas), and attracting top-tier talent. Lead investor China Internet Investment Fund highlighted that in the current shift from general AI capability contests to deep industrial empowerment, industrial-grade causal intelligence is crucial for building China's modern digital foundation and fostering new quality productive forces. They expressed support for the company's efforts to define decision-making paradigms and trustworthy standards for industrial intelligence, aiming to secure a rule-making voice in the global physical AI arena.

marsbit1h ago

Two Funding Rounds in Three Months: The Chinese Version of Palantir is on Fire

marsbit1h ago

Trading

Spot

Hot Articles

What is DOGE M

Doge Matrix ($doge m): The New Breed of Community-Driven Cryptocurrency Introduction In the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrency, new projects constantly emerge, each aiming to capture the interest of investors and enthusiasts alike. One of the latest entrants to this domain is Doge Matrix, represented by the ticker symbol $doge m. This project has attracted attention thanks to its roots in the popular meme culture surrounding Dogecoin, establishing its place within the web3 space. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Doge Matrix, covering its overview, creator, investors, functionality, timeline, and notable aspects. What is Doge Matrix ($doge m)? Doge Matrix is a community-driven cryptocurrency project that seemingly builds upon the widespread appeal of Dogecoin, a digital currency known for its Shiba Inu mascot and its meme origins. While the overarching objectives of Doge Matrix are not extensively defined, it is characterised by a commitment to harnessing community involvement and support. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies that often emphasise utility or intrinsic value through underlying technologies, Doge Matrix positions itself within a space that embraces the cultural phenomenon of cryptocurrencies, particularly appealing to those who resonate with the ethos of meme-based assets. Drawing on the strengths of the Dogecoin community, Doge Matrix operates as part of a broader ecosystem, inviting participation and engagement from users who share an interest in cryptocurrency and the digital landscape. Who is the Creator of Doge Matrix ($doge m)? The identity of the creator of Doge Matrix remains unknown. This lack of transparency is not an uncommon occurrence in the cryptocurrency space, where some projects are launched without revealing the identities of their founders. The absence of information regarding the founding team can raise questions among potential investors about the project’s accountability and direction. Who are the Investors of Doge Matrix ($doge m)? As it stands, there is no publicly available information detailing the investors or investment foundations that back Doge Matrix. The project appears to rely primarily on community support rather than institutional investment. This model aligns with the community-driven nature of the initiative, fostering an environment where the direction of the project is shaped by its participants rather than being dictated by a select few financial backers. How Does Doge Matrix ($doge m) Work? The specifics regarding the operational mechanisms of Doge Matrix are somewhat vague, reflecting a broader trend of projects in the meme coin space where innovative functionalities are not always clearly articulated. Nonetheless, Doge Matrix seems designed to tap into the existing cryptocurrency ecosystem by encouraging user participation while tapping into the familiar cultural references associated with Dogecoin. Its potentially unique characteristics derive from community interactions rather than technological advancements, emphasising shared experiences and collaboration among token holders. While the exact innovations have not been explicitly outlined, the project appears to create a space where community members can engage, share ideas, and propel the project's potential forward. Timeline of Doge Matrix ($doge m) Reflecting on the project’s timeline reveals notable events that have defined its journey thus far: November 25, 2024: Doge Matrix reached its all-time high value, marking a significant milestone in its early history. January 1, 2025: Conversely, Doge Matrix hit its all-time low value, illustrating the volatility often associated with cryptocurrencies, especially in the early stages of a project's lifecycle. Ongoing: The project continues to be actively traded and supported by its community, although specific future milestones or objectives have yet to be disclosed. Key Points About Doge Matrix ($doge m) Community Focus At the heart of Doge Matrix is a commitment to community engagement. The project thrives on the premise of collaboration and shared objectives among its members, emphasising the importance of collective effort. Unlike centralised projects that often have a defined leadership structure, Doge Matrix at present showcases a more fluid approach to governance, where every community member's voice matters. Volatility The cryptocurrency market is notorious for its volatility, and Doge Matrix is no exception. Its price history reflects significant fluctuations between high and low values, which is typical of many new cryptocurrencies but underscores the risks associated with investment in emerging tokens. Lack of Detailed Information One of the most striking features about Doge Matrix is the scarcity of detailed information regarding its technological underpinnings and operational mechanisms. This ambiguity necessitates that potential investors conduct thorough due diligence before engaging with the project. Conclusion In summary, Doge Matrix ($doge m) illustrates a new wave of cryptocurrency projects that lean heavily on community engagement and cultural relevance. While lacking in certain specifics—such as clear leadership, defined objectives, and detailed functionality—the project has managed to generate interest within the crypto community, leveraging the established appeal of meme culture. As with any investment in the cryptocurrency space, understanding the inherent risks and conducting comprehensive research is essential for potential participants. Doge Matrix stands as a reminder of the dynamic, sometimes unpredictable nature of the crypto industry, marked by constant evolution and enthusiasm for community-driven initiatives.

688 Total ViewsPublished 2025.02.03Updated 2025.02.03

What is DOGE M

What is $M

Understanding Mantis ($M): A New Era in Cross-Chain Interoperability In the continually evolving landscape of Web3 and cryptocurrency, new projects strive to offer innovative solutions aimed at enhancing the user experience and expanding functional possibilities within the decentralised financial ecosystem. One such project garnering attention is Mantis ($M), a pioneering protocol founded on the principles of cross-chain interoperability and intent-based settlements. This article delves into the essential aspects of Mantis, including its core functionality, creators, investment backing, innovative features, and critical milestones. What is Mantis ($M)? Mantis is described as a multi-domain intent settlement protocol that simplifies cross-chain interactions, enabling users to execute complex financial transactions across various blockchain platforms seamlessly. The protocol operates through three primary layers: Intent Expression: Users can articulate their transaction goals using natural language facilitated by the DISE LLM, an advanced AI language model. For instance, a user might express a desire to swap Ethereum (ETH) for Solana (SOL) with a specific slippage tolerance of 1%. Execution: This layer employs a network of solvers that compete to fulfil user intents. Transactions are executed using mechanisms such as Coincidence of Wants (CoWs) and Order Flow Auctions (OFAs), which ensure that user demands are met optimally. Settlement: Leveraging the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol, Mantis enables atomic cross-chain transactions, allowing users to operate across various supported chains, including Ethereum, Solana, and Cosmos. Mantis is engineered to introduce native yield generation for idle assets, employing cryptographic proofs to maintain the integrity of transactions throughout the entire process. Creators & Development Team Mantis was conceived by the Composable Foundation, a research-driven organisation notable for its emphasis on blockchain interoperability solutions. This foundation collaborates with esteemed academic institutions, including Harvard University and the University of Lisbon, contributing to extensive research and development efforts that inform Mantis's architecture and functionality. The Composable Foundation’s commitment to fostering innovation in the blockchain space positions Mantis as a robust solution for the growing demand for interoperability among multiple blockchain networks. Investors & Backing While specific details about individual investors have not been publicly disclosed, Mantis enjoys substantial backing from various entities, including: Ecosystem grants from IBC-enabled chains, which support the protocol's growth and integration within decentralised finance ecosystems. Strategic partnerships with infrastructure providers that enhance Mantis's network capabilities and deployment strategies. Funding through the Composable Foundation's treasury, ensuring sustained financial support for ongoing development and operational costs. These collaborative efforts reflect a consensus among stakeholders about the importance of enhancing cross-chain functionality and the potential utility of Mantis's infrastructural innovations. Key Innovations Mantis sets itself apart through several pioneering innovations that enhance its functionality and utility: Chain-Agnostic Intents: Users can initiate transactions from any supported chain while settling on another. This flexibility empowers users, driving increased interaction among different platforms. AI-Powered Interface: The integration of DISE LLM allows users to conduct complex DeFi operations using natural language, thereby simplifying interactions and making blockchain technology accessible to a broader audience. Cross-Domain MEV Capture: Mantis creates an internal market for maximal extractable value (MEV) through competitions among solvers. This innovative approach allows for greater efficiency and value extraction in complex transactions. Modular Settlement Layer: The protocol supports various verification methods, including zero-knowledge proofs and optimistic rollups, providing a versatile framework that can adapt to emerging blockchain technologies. Historical Timeline Mantis's development is marked by several critical milestones that chart its trajectory and growth: | Year | Milestone | |————|————————————————————————-| | 2022 | Initial concept development within the Composable Foundation's research division. | | Q3 2024 | Launch of the testnet with bridging capabilities between Solana and Ethereum. | | Q1 2025 | Anticipated Token Generation Event (TGE) alongside the mainnet launch. | | Q2 2025 | Expected integration of DISE LLM and expansion of cross-chain capabilities. | | 2025 H2 | Planned support for over 15 chains through further IBC upgrades. | This timeline outlines Mantis's evolution, from conceptual discussions to active implementation and future growth phases. Ecosystem Growth Strategy Mantis's strategy for ecosystem growth includes several initiatives designed to encourage user participation and developer engagement: Credits System: Users can earn protocol credits by providing liquidity and engaging in referral programmes. These credits are redeemable for incentives in the future, fostering a robust user community. Modular Software Development Kit (SDK): This toolkit empowers developers to create applications based on intent-driven models utilising Mantis's infrastructure, thus promoting innovation within its ecosystem. Governance Model: As the protocol matures, $M token holders will have a voice in protocol governance, allowing them to vote on proposed upgrades and changes, thereby enhancing community engagement and decentralisation. Mantis represents a significant advancement in the realm of cross-chain architecture. By seamlessly integrating advanced AI algorithms with a robust settlement framework, Mantis seeks to tackle the problems of fragmentation within multi-chain ecosystems. Its innovative approach prioritises improved user experiences while adhering to the foundational principles of decentralisation and security, setting a new standard for the future interoperability of blockchain technologies. As Mantis continues its journey of growth and implementation, it promises to be a project to watch closely in the competitive landscape of Web3 and decentralised finance. With its focus on crossing boundaries and elevating user engagement, Mantis is poised to be an integral part of the future developments in the cryptocurrency space.

222 Total ViewsPublished 2025.03.18Updated 2025.03.18

What is $M

Discussions

Welcome to the HTX Community. Here, you can stay informed about the latest platform developments and gain access to professional market insights. Users' opinions on the price of M (M) are presented below.

活动图片

Top Questions