Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has reportedly laid off around 1,000 employees in recent weeks. The news comes amid increasing regulatory pressure on the exchange, according to sources close to the company.
The Wall Street Journal reported on these layoffs, citing an inside source who claimed that Binance may continue to dismiss more employees in the coming months as it undergoes a staff reorganization. It has been suggested that up to a third of Binance’s workforce could be at risk.
This development comes on the same day that Binance celebrated its sixth anniversary since its launch. The exchange has experienced significant growth over the years, but the recent layoffs indicate that it may be facing challenges and adjustments in its operations.
The cryptocurrency industry as a whole has witnessed numerous companies, both within the crypto space and in the mainstream sector, downsizing their employee numbers. The prolonged bear market in the crypto industry has played a significant role in exacerbating this situation. Binance had previously hinted at staff reductions, with reports suggesting that around 20% of its workforce could be affected.
Despite the recent layoffs, Binance remains the leading crypto exchange in terms of trading volume. However, it has encountered numerous regulatory hurdles in recent months. The exchange decided to exit several countries, including Belgium and the Netherlands, due to regulatory reasons. It also abandoned its pursuit of a license in Austria. Additionally, Binance has faced scrutiny in France and Australia.
In addition to the workforce reduction, Binance has also experienced the departure of several top executives, including its former Chief Strategy Officer, Patrick Hillmann. These personnel changes, coupled with the regulatory challenges, suggest that the company is undergoing significant changes and adjustments in response to the evolving crypto landscape.
It is worth noting that the original author of the article was not mentioned in the provided information.