The post Binance Faces Backlash as BNB Drops 15%, Users Voice Frustration Over Strategic Shift appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Binance’s native token, BNB, recently tumbled by 15%, sliding from $620 to around $527 within hours. The sharp correction follows a new strategic announcement from Binance leadership that has sparked concern and criticism among parts of its global user base.

What Triggered the Drop?$BNB

On May 14, Binance announced the launch of Binance Institutional Gateway—a new initiative focused on bringing large-scale institutional investors into the ecosystem. The project is intended to expand Binance’s infrastructure to better support hedge funds, trading desks, and major asset managers through exclusive tools and services.

According to Binance, the move represents a “new chapter of growth” aimed at solidifying its role in global finance. Users can explore the update through the Binance Pro dashboard and learn how it plans to “elevate digital assets into the institutional mainstream.”

Why Are Users Upset?$BNB

However, not everyone is celebrating the news. Longtime BNB holders and retail users took to X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram to express their dissatisfaction. Critics argue that the announcement marks a shift away from the grassroots community that helped build Binance into a global exchange powerhouse.

Crypto commentator “CryptoZane” called the decision “a slap in the face” to retail users. “We’ve supported BNB for years through thick and thin—endured regulations, volatility, and global bans,” he said. “Now the focus is shifting to Wall Street. Retail is being sidelined.”

Many users also raised concerns about the lack of recent ecosystem incentives and token utility expansion for retail participants. “We’re seeing fewer rewards, more complexity, and now this,” one Reddit user wrote. “Feels like Binance is building a fortress—and we’re not invited in.”$BNB

With over 170 million users worldwide, Binance has built a reputation as a user-driven platform.