Binance Launches Merkle Tree-Based Proof-of-Reserves System
- Binance’s new proof-of-reserve system shows it has Bitcoin (BTC) balance of 582,485 tokens, while users have a net balance of 575,742 BTC.
- The exchange also plans to involve a third-party auditor to verify its PoR system, as well as implement ZK-SNARKs to improve privacy.
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Binance, the largest exchange by trading volume, has launched a Proof-of-Reserve (PoR) system to allow users to verify the health of the platform, the company said in a press release on 25 November.
According to the announcement, Binance’s PoR mechanism currently supports only Bitcoin (BTC), but the exchange noted that other tokens and networks will be added in the coming weeks. The latest snapshot of Binance’s BTC balance claims the exchange has around 582,485 BTC in reserve while its users have a net balance of 575,742 BTC.
Binance’s new PoR system also allows customers to verify their own holdings directly through the platform’s website. The exchange has also provided information on how users can independently verify their holdings through the Merkle Tree-based system
Going forward, Binance plans to implement additional transparency updates to the system, such as the involvement of third-party auditors to check and verify its PoR system and results. In order to improve the privacy and robustness of the system — as well as prove the total net balance of each user is non-negative — the company also plans to implement ZK-SNARKs in its PoR system.
Earlier this month, Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao called on all crypto exchanges to do a Merkle Tree proof-of-reserves to increase their transparency, following the liquidity crisis that hit rival FTX. Many in the industry agreed to the proposal, with OKX launching a similar PoR system to Binance’s this Wednesday.
- The popular crypto exchange has decided to sell its business in Russia to CommEX, a crypto exchange business that was officially launched on Tuesday.
- Binance noted that it will fully exit the Russian market, and have no ongoing revenue split or any option to buy back shares in the business.
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- The company said it will be suspending its crypto-backed debit card service in the Middle East on 25 August, and in Latin America by 21 September.
- Although no reason was given for the decision, the company noted that “less than 1% of users” in those regions will be affected by the change.
- A spokesperson said the change was due to the “changing market and user needs”, and that Binance will now be refocusing its resources on its main products and long-term goals.
- Launched in March 2022, Binance Connect helped crypto businesses connect with the traditional finance system, and supported 50 cryptocurrencies and networks such as Visa and Mastercard.