Jesse Powell from Kraken views the recent Binance settlement as a turning point for equity within the crypto market.
In Brief
According to Jesse Powell, co-founder of Kraken, there is a sense of fairness returning to the cryptocurrency space following the U.S. DOJ's crackdown on Binance.

As a key figure in the cryptocurrency exchange environment, Jesse Powell has spoken out about the evolving dynamics of fairness in the crypto industry following the historic settlement involving Binance and the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Kraken Powell's comments come after a series of enforcement measures have been taken by U.S. regulators against major cryptocurrency exchanges, including Binance, the largest exchange globally, and Kraken, which competes directly with it. Binance In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Powell shared his thoughts on the substantial $4.3 billion fine against Binance and its consequences for the industry, reflecting on how the past year has provided clarity on key issues raised by investors regarding the rapid and seemingly unchecked actions of certain companies.
Even as Kraken's share of the marketplace contracts, Powell pointed out that the recent regulatory scrutiny, particularly of compliant companies like Kraken, illustrates the hurdles present in sustaining trust in a competitive landscape. Binance Powell underscored the vital need for self-governance within the cryptocurrency industry, stressing that new threats to its reputation continue to arise. He voiced concerns about potential government scapegoating and the likelihood of stricter regulations, emphasizing the importance of self-regulation in the sector.
The situation feels more equitable today, Powell noted. The past year has resolved two persistent questions for investors: the belief in sustainable growth and the difficulty in maintaining confidence amidst constant fluctuations.
In his address, Powell also referenced Coinbase, suggesting that both they and Kraken are under the SEC's scrutiny due to their U.S. operations. He criticized the focus on offshore entities, arguing that it serves more as an exercise in control than genuine consumer protection.
Recently, Kraken encountered its own legal hurdles. In February, the SEC charged Kraken's parent company for failing to register its crypto asset staking-as-a-service program, resulting in a $30 million settlement.
Powell expressed skepticism regarding the notion that such settlements provide lasting peace from regulatory probes, hinting that U.S.-based crypto firms might consider relocating in light of the expensive and protracted nature of compliance disputes.
— Jesse Powell (@jespow) November 23, 2023
1. How are they going so fast?
2. How are they getting away with it?
In a recent blog post, Kraken took issue with the SEC's perspective, asserting that the agency's classification of Kraken's offerings as investment contracts is legally unfounded and factually incorrect. They accused the SEC of enforcing compliance with regulations that don't exist.
Kraken Stance on Self-Policing
In closing, Powell urged the crypto community to rally against government overreach. He encouraged the adoption of services focused on long-term strategies that set positive industry standards, highlighting that while these may not feature the most thrilling products or anonymous accounts, they are crucial for the sector's longevity. Ripple Powell's comments illuminate the escalating complexities confronting the crypto industry, pinpointing the need to find a delicate balance between innovation and meeting regulatory obligations, reflecting a broader discussion about the future trajectory of cryptocurrency amid tightening scrutiny in the marketplace.
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