Binance Says Assets Rose Amid Alleged Bank Run Attempt
Key Takeaways:
- Binance reported an unexpected increase in assets during a community-driven withdrawal campaign, challenging conventional expectations of a bank run scenario.
- Co-founder He Yi describes the situation as a coordinated withdrawal initiative, emphasizing the importance of viewing such movements as stress tests rather than threats.
- Temporary disruption in Binance withdrawals revived exchange solvency discussions, drawing parallels to past incidents such as the FTX failure.
- Binance co-founder, Changpeng Zhao, addressed rumors linking the exchange to a Bitcoin price drop, dismissing the allegations as unfounded fears.
- Binance maintains its position as a leader in liquidity with significant reserves, despite ongoing market volatility and fluctuating cryptocurrency dynamics.
WEEX Crypto News, 2026-02-05 10:40:51
In a surprising twist, Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, reported an increase in assets despite a coordinated withdrawal effort that many characterized as an attempted bank run. The unusual development saw assets on Binance’s on-chain addresses grow amidst an orchestrated campaign pushing users to withdraw their funds. This paradoxical outcome has sparked a broader discussion about market dynamics, user confidence, and the structural robustness of cryptocurrency exchanges.
Understanding the Withdrawal Campaign
Co-founder of Binance, He Yi, shared insights on X about what she termed a “coordinated withdrawal push” initiated by segments of the crypto community. This campaign stirred curiosity and debate, as it opposed the typical flow of withdrawals outweighing deposits. Instead, Binance experienced a net positive inflow of assets. Yi noted that while the reasons behind deposits exceeding withdrawals during the campaign remained unclear, such large-scale withdrawal operations could serve as effective stress tests for assessing the resilience of trading platforms.
These withdrawal campaigns, while seemingly alarming, have the potential to strengthen the industry by identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring readiness for genuinely adverse events. He Yi further advised users to proceed cautiously with blockchain transactions, highlighting the irreversible nature of confirmed transfers.
In her message, Yi also educated users on self-custody options, an alternative offering individuals more personal control over their crypto assets. She highlighted platforms such as Binance Wallet and Trust Wallet and recommended hardware wallets for those seeking additional security.
A Brief Disruption and Its Aftermath
Not long after the withdrawal campaign gained traction, Binance faced an unrelated brief outage in withdrawal services. This disruption, reportedly caused by unspecified technical difficulties, reignited discussions about the risks associated with centralized exchanges. Although Binance swiftly resolved the issue within approximately twenty minutes, the temporary withdrawal halt was enough to remind users of past exchange failures, including high-profile examples like the collapse of FTX.
Users on social media scrutinized these events, some seeing them as indicative of systemic vulnerabilities within the crypto exchange industry. However, Yi countered this narrative by emphasizing the net increase in Binance’s asset holdings during the withdrawal surge. Such developments fuel ongoing conversations about the safety and stability of cryptocurrency exchanges.
Addressing Market Rumors and Speculation
In another development, Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao faced a different set of allegations concerning a recent drop in Bitcoin prices. Some speculators suggested that Binance had manipulated the market by selling $1 billion worth of Bitcoin, contributing to a sharp market decline. Zhao dismissed these rumors as “pretty imaginative FUD” (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt), clarifying that the funds in question were owned by users actively trading on the platform.
Zhao’s response tapped into a recurrent theme within crypto markets: the propensity for rumors to shape trader behavior and influence market conditions, particularly during periods of low liquidity. This environment often magnifies the impact of speculative claims, albeit without factual basis, thus complicating the reality for traders and exchanges alike. Zhao further refuted the exaggerated notion that he could independently dictate market trends, describing such a perception as far-fetched.
Binance: A Leader in Liquidity
Despite the tumultuous conditions and swirling rumors, Binance continues to assert its dominance as a liquidity powerhouse within the cryptocurrency sector. Transparency reports and data verify Binance’s status, signaling robust financial health and overwhelming user trust. According to CoinMarketCap’s exchange reserves ranking from January 2026, Binance holds top position with approximately $155.64 billion in total reserves, underscoring its significant liquidity provisioning capabilities.
The exchange’s enduring strength and capacity to withstand market turbulence are critical to its reputation and market leadership. Binance’s ability to manage coordinated withdrawal efforts while maintaining growth in asset holdings exemplifies its unparalleled operational resilience.
Navigating Market Complexity
The events surrounding Binance’s recent experiences highlight broader themes within the crypto world, including the transparency, stability, and reliability of trading platforms amidst the unpredictable ebbs and flows of digital currency markets. As the industry continues to evolve, the complex interplay between user confidence, market rumors, and exchange resilience remains pivotal. For traders and investors, understanding these dynamics is vital in navigating an ever-changing landscape.
The scenario also presents an opportunity for exchanges to bolster trust through transparent operations, comprehensive user education, and innovative solutions that enhance user control and security over digital assets. As more individuals participate in crypto markets, the emphasis on exchanging user experiences in the form of self-custody solutions gains prominence, providing safer alternatives to traditional custodial exchanges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent developments surrounding Binance, from the unexpected inflow of assets during a withdrawal campaign to the rapid resolution of withdrawal halts, underline key lessons for both the exchange and its users. These occurrences reflect not only on Binance’s robust infrastructure but also on the broader cryptocurrency market’s ongoing maturation process.
While rumors and speculation are inevitable in fast-paced markets, platforms like Binance are continually evaluated on their ability to manage crises, communicate transparently with users, and adapt to dynamic market conditions. These elements will remain critical as the crypto ecosystem grows and more individuals engage with digital currencies, demanding innovative solutions that cater to evolving trust and reliability expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the withdrawal campaign against Binance?
The withdrawal campaign was apparently initiated by members of the crypto community as a stress test and to challenge Binance’s resilience. It involved urging users to withdraw their funds, although Binance reported a surprising increase in assets during this time.
How did Binance respond to the technical issues affecting withdrawals?
Binance swiftly addressed the technical difficulties, restoring withdrawal services within about twenty minutes. Such responsive handling helped mitigate users’ fears regarding exchange solvency.
What rumors did Changpeng Zhao address regarding Bitcoin’s price drop?
Zhao addressed speculations linking Binance to a Bitcoin price decline, refuting allegations that the exchange sold $1 billion worth of Bitcoin to influence market conditions. He clarified that the funds belong to users trading on the Binance platform.
How does Binance maintain its reputation as a liquidity leader?
Binance relies on transparency reports to demonstrate its robust financial health and liquidity capabilities. It holds a significant reserve of about $155.64 billion, according to CoinMarketCap’s January 2026 ranking, reinforcing its market leadership position.
Why is self-custody important for crypto users?
Self-custody solutions offer users direct control over their digital assets, enhancing security away from centralized exchanges. They are seen as a critical alternative, especially amid concerns about exchange reliability and user trust.
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China's Central Bank and Eight Other Departments' Latest Regulatory Focus: Key Attention to RWA Tokenized Asset Risk
Foreword: Today, the People's Bank of China's website published the "Notice of the People's Bank of China, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Public Security, State Administration for Market Regulation, China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, China Securities Regulatory Commission, State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Preventing and Dealing with Risks Related to Virtual Currency and Others (Yinfa [2026] No. 42)", the latest regulatory requirements from the eight departments including the central bank, which are basically consistent with the regulatory requirements of recent years. The main focus of the regulation is on speculative activities such as virtual currency trading, exchanges, ICOs, overseas platform services, and this time, regulatory oversight of RWA has been added, explicitly prohibiting RWA tokenization, stablecoins (especially those pegged to the RMB). The following is the full text:
To the people's governments of all provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps:
Recently, there have been speculative activities related to virtual currency and Real-World Assets (RWA) tokenization, disrupting the economic and financial order and jeopardizing the property security of the people. In order to further prevent and address the risks related to virtual currency and Real-World Assets tokenization, effectively safeguard national security and social stability, in accordance with the "Law of the People's Republic of China on the People's Bank of China," "Law of the People's Republic of China on Commercial Banks," "Securities Law of the People's Republic of China," "Law of the People's Republic of China on Securities Investment Funds," "Law of the People's Republic of China on Futures and Derivatives," "Cybersecurity Law of the People's Republic of China," "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Administration of Renminbi," "Regulations on Prevention and Disposal of Illegal Fundraising," "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Foreign Exchange Administration," "Telecommunications Regulations of the People's Republic of China," and other provisions, after reaching consensus with the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Supreme People's Court, and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and with the approval of the State Council, the relevant matters are notified as follows:
(I) Virtual currency does not possess the legal status equivalent to fiat currency. Virtual currencies such as Bitcoin, Ether, Tether, etc., have the main characteristics of being issued by non-monetary authorities, using encryption technology and distributed ledger or similar technology, existing in digital form, etc. They do not have legal tender status, should not and cannot be circulated and used as currency in the market.
The business activities related to virtual currency are classified as illegal financial activities. The exchange of fiat currency and virtual currency within the territory, exchange of virtual currencies, acting as a central counterparty in buying and selling virtual currencies, providing information intermediary and pricing services for virtual currency transactions, token issuance financing, and trading of virtual currency-related financial products, etc., fall under illegal financial activities, such as suspected illegal issuance of token vouchers, unauthorized public issuance of securities, illegal operation of securities and futures business, illegal fundraising, etc., are strictly prohibited across the board and resolutely banned in accordance with the law. Overseas entities and individuals are not allowed to provide virtual currency-related services to domestic entities in any form.
A stablecoin pegged to a fiat currency indirectly fulfills some functions of the fiat currency in circulation. Without the consent of relevant authorities in accordance with the law and regulations, any domestic or foreign entity or individual is not allowed to issue a RMB-pegged stablecoin overseas.
(II)Tokenization of Real-World Assets refers to the use of encryption technology and distributed ledger or similar technologies to transform ownership rights, income rights, etc., of assets into tokens (tokens) or other interests or bond certificates with token (token) characteristics, and carry out issuance and trading activities.
Engaging in the tokenization of real-world assets domestically, as well as providing related intermediary, information technology services, etc., which are suspected of illegal issuance of token vouchers, unauthorized public offering of securities, illegal operation of securities and futures business, illegal fundraising, and other illegal financial activities, shall be prohibited; except for relevant business activities carried out with the approval of the competent authorities in accordance with the law and regulations and relying on specific financial infrastructures. Overseas entities and individuals are not allowed to illegally provide services related to the tokenization of real-world assets to domestic entities in any form.
(III) Inter-agency Coordination. The People's Bank of China, together with the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Public Security, the State Administration for Market Regulation, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, and other departments, will improve the work mechanism, strengthen coordination with the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Supreme People's Court, and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, coordinate efforts, and overall guide regions to carry out risk prevention and disposal of virtual currency-related illegal financial activities.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission, together with the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Public Security, the People's Bank of China, the State Administration for Market Regulation, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, and other departments, will improve the work mechanism, strengthen coordination with the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Supreme People's Court, and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, coordinate efforts, and overall guide regions to carry out risk prevention and disposal of illegal financial activities related to the tokenization of real-world assets.
(IV) Strengthening Local Implementation. The people's governments at the provincial level are overall responsible for the prevention and disposal of risks related to virtual currencies and the tokenization of real-world assets in their respective administrative regions. The specific leading department is the local financial regulatory department, with participation from branches and dispatched institutions of the State Council's financial regulatory department, telecommunications regulators, public security, market supervision, and other departments, in coordination with cyberspace departments, courts, and procuratorates, to improve the normalization of the work mechanism, effectively connect with the relevant work mechanisms of central departments, form a cooperative and coordinated working pattern between central and local governments, effectively prevent and properly handle risks related to virtual currencies and the tokenization of real-world assets, and maintain economic and financial order and social stability.
(5) Enhanced Risk Monitoring. The People's Bank of China, China Securities Regulatory Commission, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Public Security, State Administration of Foreign Exchange, Cyberspace Administration of China, and other departments continue to improve monitoring techniques and system support, enhance cross-departmental data analysis and sharing, establish sound information sharing and cross-validation mechanisms, promptly grasp the risk situation of activities related to virtual currency and real-world asset tokenization. Local governments at all levels give full play to the role of local monitoring and early warning mechanisms. Local financial regulatory authorities, together with branches and agencies of the State Council's financial regulatory authorities, as well as departments of cyberspace and public security, ensure effective connection between online monitoring, offline investigation, and fund tracking, efficiently and accurately identify activities related to virtual currency and real-world asset tokenization, promptly share risk information, improve early warning information dissemination, verification, and rapid response mechanisms.
(6) Strengthened Oversight of Financial Institutions, Intermediaries, and Technology Service Providers. Financial institutions (including non-bank payment institutions) are prohibited from providing account opening, fund transfer, and clearing services for virtual currency-related business activities, issuing and selling financial products related to virtual currency, including virtual currency and related financial products in the scope of collateral, conducting insurance business related to virtual currency, or including virtual currency in the scope of insurance liability. Financial institutions (including non-bank payment institutions) are prohibited from providing custody, clearing, and settlement services for unauthorized real-world asset tokenization-related business and related financial products. Relevant intermediary institutions and information technology service providers are prohibited from providing intermediary, technical, or other services for unauthorized real-world asset tokenization-related businesses and related financial products.
(7) Enhanced Management of Internet Information Content and Access. Internet enterprises are prohibited from providing online business venues, commercial displays, marketing, advertising, or paid traffic diversion services for virtual currency and real-world asset tokenization-related business activities. Upon discovering clues of illegal activities, they should promptly report to relevant departments and provide technical support and assistance for related investigations and inquiries. Based on the clues transferred by the financial regulatory authorities, the cyberspace administration, telecommunications authorities, and public security departments should promptly close and deal with websites, mobile applications (including mini-programs), and public accounts engaged in virtual currency and real-world asset tokenization-related business activities in accordance with the law.
(8) Strengthened Entity Registration and Advertisement Management. Market supervision departments strengthen entity registration and management, and enterprise and individual business registrations must not contain terms such as "virtual currency," "virtual asset," "cryptocurrency," "crypto asset," "stablecoin," "real-world asset tokenization," or "RWA" in their names or business scopes. Market supervision departments, together with financial regulatory authorities, legally enhance the supervision of advertisements related to virtual currency and real-world asset tokenization, promptly investigating and handling relevant illegal advertisements.
(IX) Continued Rectification of Virtual Currency Mining Activities. The National Development and Reform Commission, together with relevant departments, strictly controls virtual currency mining activities, continuously promotes the rectification of virtual currency mining activities. The people's governments of various provinces take overall responsibility for the rectification of "mining" within their respective administrative regions. In accordance with the requirements of the National Development and Reform Commission and other departments in the "Notice on the Rectification of Virtual Currency Mining Activities" (NDRC Energy-saving Building [2021] No. 1283) and the provisions of the "Guidance Catalog for Industrial Structure Adjustment (2024 Edition)," a comprehensive review, investigation, and closure of existing virtual currency mining projects are conducted, new mining projects are strictly prohibited, and mining machine production enterprises are strictly prohibited from providing mining machine sales and other services within the country.
(X) Severe Crackdown on Related Illegal Financial Activities. Upon discovering clues to illegal financial activities related to virtual currency and the tokenization of real-world assets, local financial regulatory authorities, branches of the State Council's financial regulatory authorities, and other relevant departments promptly investigate, determine, and properly handle the issues in accordance with the law, and seriously hold the relevant entities and individuals legally responsible. Those suspected of crimes are transferred to the judicial authorities for processing according to the law.
(XI) Severe Crackdown on Related Illegal and Criminal Activities. The Ministry of Public Security, the People's Bank of China, the State Administration for Market Regulation, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, as well as judicial and procuratorial organs, in accordance with their respective responsibilities, rigorously crack down on illegal and criminal activities related to virtual currency, the tokenization of real-world assets, such as fraud, money laundering, illegal business operations, pyramid schemes, illegal fundraising, and other illegal and criminal activities carried out under the guise of virtual currency, the tokenization of real-world assets, etc.
(XII) Strengthen Industry Self-discipline. Relevant industry associations should enhance membership management and policy advocacy, based on their own responsibilities, advocate and urge member units to resist illegal financial activities related to virtual currency and the tokenization of real-world assets. Member units that violate regulatory policies and industry self-discipline rules are to be disciplined in accordance with relevant self-regulatory management regulations. By leveraging various industry infrastructure, conduct risk monitoring related to virtual currency, the tokenization of real-world assets, and promptly transfer issue clues to relevant departments.
(XIII) Without the approval of relevant departments in accordance with the law and regulations, domestic entities and foreign entities controlled by them may not issue virtual currency overseas.
(XIV) Domestic entities engaging directly or indirectly in overseas external debt-based tokenization of real-world assets, or conducting asset securitization activities abroad based on domestic ownership rights, income rights, etc. (hereinafter referred to as domestic equity), should be strictly regulated in accordance with the principles of "same business, same risk, same rules." The National Development and Reform Commission, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, and other relevant departments regulate it according to their respective responsibilities. For other forms of overseas real-world asset tokenization activities based on domestic equity by domestic entities, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, together with relevant departments, supervise according to their division of responsibilities. Without the consent and filing of relevant departments, no unit or individual may engage in the above-mentioned business.
(15) Overseas subsidiaries and branches of domestic financial institutions providing Real World Asset Tokenization-related services overseas shall do so legally and prudently. They shall have professional personnel and systems in place to effectively mitigate business risks, strictly implement customer onboarding, suitability management, anti-money laundering requirements, and incorporate them into the domestic financial institutions' compliance and risk management system. Intermediaries and information technology service providers offering Real World Asset Tokenization services abroad based on domestic equity or conducting Real World Asset Tokenization business in the form of overseas debt for domestic entities directly or indirectly venturing abroad must strictly comply with relevant laws and regulations. They should establish and improve relevant compliance and internal control systems in accordance with relevant normative requirements, strengthen business and risk control, and report the business developments to the relevant regulatory authorities for approval or filing.
(16) Strengthen organizational leadership and overall coordination. All departments and regions should attach great importance to the prevention of risks related to virtual currencies and Real World Asset Tokenization, strengthen organizational leadership, clarify work responsibilities, form a long-term effective working mechanism with centralized coordination, local implementation, and shared responsibilities, maintain high pressure, dynamically monitor risks, effectively prevent and mitigate risks in an orderly and efficient manner, legally protect the property security of the people, and make every effort to maintain economic and financial order and social stability.
(17) Widely carry out publicity and education. All departments, regions, and industry associations should make full use of various media and other communication channels to disseminate information through legal and policy interpretation, analysis of typical cases, and education on investment risks, etc. They should promote the illegality and harm of virtual currencies and Real World Asset Tokenization-related businesses and their manifestations, fully alert to potential risks and hidden dangers, and enhance public awareness and identification capabilities for risk prevention.
(18) Engaging in illegal financial activities related to virtual currencies and Real World Asset Tokenization in violation of this notice, as well as providing services for virtual currencies and Real World Asset Tokenization-related businesses, shall be punished in accordance with relevant regulations. If it constitutes a crime, criminal liability shall be pursued according to the law. For domestic entities and individuals who knowingly or should have known that overseas entities illegally provided virtual currency or Real World Asset Tokenization-related services to domestic entities and still assisted them, relevant responsibilities shall be pursued according to the law. If it constitutes a crime, criminal liability shall be pursued according to the law.
(19) If any unit or individual invests in virtual currencies, Real World Asset Tokens, and related financial products against public order and good customs, the relevant civil legal actions shall be invalid, and any resulting losses shall be borne by them. If there are suspicions of disrupting financial order and jeopardizing financial security, the relevant departments shall deal with them according to the law.
This notice shall enter into force upon the date of its issuance. The People's Bank of China and ten other departments' "Notice on Further Preventing and Dealing with the Risks of Virtual Currency Trading Speculation" (Yinfa [2021] No. 237) is hereby repealed.

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