The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially dismissed its lawsuit against Binance, (link unavailable), and founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ), marking a significant shift in the US regulatory approach to digital assets. This decision, filed jointly by both parties on May 29, 2025, brings an end to a legal battle that began in June 2023.
Key Points:
- SEC's Reason for Dismissal: The SEC stated that the dismissal was "appropriate in the exercise of its discretion and as a policy matter," but clarified that this move does not set a precedent for other ongoing or future crypto-related cases.
- Impact on Binance: (link unavailable) welcomed the decision, calling it a "landmark moment" and a validation of their stance that they did not violate US securities laws. The company plans to focus on growing its business and restoring relationships impacted by the lawsuit.
- Broader Trend: This dismissal is part of a broader trend, with the SEC dropping more than a dozen other crypto-related investigations and lawsuits since early 2025, reflecting a shift away from "regulation by enforcement" toward developing clearer rules for the industry.
- Regulatory Landscape: The US regulatory landscape for crypto is evolving, with new leadership and potential legislation on the horizon. Lawmakers in the US House of Representatives have introduced a bill to clarify how the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) will oversee digital assets ¹.
Industry Reaction:
- Binance and (link unavailable) have expressed gratitude to SEC Chairman Paul Atkins and the Trump administration for fostering a more innovation-friendly regulatory environment.
- The crypto industry has criticized the SEC's previous practice of regulating by enforcement rather than issuing clear guidelines ².
What's Next:
- The SEC's decision to withdraw its lawsuit against Binance could signal major changes in how digital assets are governed in the US.
- The regulatory agencies are rethinking their approach, prioritizing innovation over enforcement ².#etf #ElonMuskDOGEDeparture