🪙 What Was Binance USD (BUSD)?
USD was a fiat-backed stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar, issued by Paxos in partnership with Binance .
It maintained reserves backed by cash or short-term U.S. Treasuries, regulated by the New York Department of Financial Services, with monthly audits
⚖️ History & Regulation
BUSD was launched in 2019 via a collaboration between Paxos and Binance .
In 2022–2023, investigations by Bloomberg revealed under‑collateralization issues—gaps between reserves and token supply sometimes exceeding $1 billion .
In February 2023, NYDFS ordered Paxos to halt minting new BUSD tokens, leading to its official discontinuation by September 2023 .
🚫 Ramp‑Down and End of Support
Binance formally discontinued support for BUSD in September 2023, ceasing operations and migrating user holdings .
The transition aimed to streamline liquidity by converting USDC and other stablecoin balances into alternate tokens (excluding USDT) on Binance .
🧩 Stablecoin Landscape & New Alternatives
Binance now emphasizes newer stablecoins like USDC and FDUSD, citing enhanced stability, regulatory compliance, and ecosystem integration .
These offerings reflect Binance’s strategic shift toward diversified, compliant USD‑pegged assets .
📰 Related Controversies & the U.S. GENIUS Act
A stablecoin dubbed USD1, issued by World Liberty Financial (partially controlled by the Trump family), has been tied to Binance via code development, promotion, and a $2B investment vehicle—raising concerns about conflicts of interest .
U.S. Senators Warren and Merkley have demanded records related to the USD1 deal amid concerns about potential corruption and political entanglement .
The GENIUS Act, enacted July 18, 2025, formally establishes federal oversight of stablecoin issuers, requiring full collateralization, consumer protections, and placing them under the Bank Secrecy Act. Critics still warn that risks remain—like peg-breaking and systemic liquidity shocks .
✅ Summary Table
Topic Key Points
What was BUSD? A Binance‑partnered, fiat‑backed USD stablecoin issued by Paxos.
Launch & use 2019 launch; used across trading, liquidity, and transfers.
Regulatory end NYDFS ordered minting stopped in early 2023; support withdrawn in Sept 2023.
After BUSD Binance partners with USDC, FDUSD, and others for regulated stablecoin options.
Broader issues Alleged ties between Binance, USD1, and political influence have prompted legal scrutiny.
Legal context U.S. GENIUS Act now governs stablecoin issuers; risks remain despite regulatory progress. ....
📌 Bottom Line
Binance USD (BUSD) has been fully phased out: no more minting, support, or trading since late 2023. Binance now offers newer, regulated stablecoins like USDC and FDUSD in line with U.S. laws and market standards.
Meanwhile, the stablecoin sector remains under scrutiny—from regulatory bodies, lawmakers, and public interest—particularly where political affiliations or lack of transparency may pose ethical or financial concerns.