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.


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