#BTCReserveStrategy 1. Proof of Reserves (PoR)
• Binance uses Proof of Reserves to publicly verify that it holds users’ assets 1:1.
• This is done through Merkle Tree audits, which are cryptographic tools that allow users to verify their individual balances are included in Binance’s total reserves.
• Example: Binance has published PoR for major assets like BTC, ETH, BNB, USDT, etc.
2. 1:1 Asset Backing
• Binance states that every user deposit is fully backed and can be withdrawn at any time.
• This means they don’t lend out or use customer assets without permission.
3. SAFU Fund (Secure Asset Fund for Users)
• Binance maintains a SAFU fund, an emergency insurance fund established in 2018.
• A portion of trading fees goes into this fund, which is used to cover user losses in extreme cases.
• The SAFU fund is often held in separate wallets and is publicly trackable.
4. Wallet Transparency
• Binance publishes wallet addresses of their cold and hot wallets so the public can monitor asset movements and balances.
• This adds an extra layer of accountability and transparency.
5. Third-Party Audits & Community Validation
• Binance encourages third-party auditors and the community to inspect and verify reserve data.
• However, unlike traditional audits, PoR lacks standardization and is still evolving across the industry.
Summary
Binance’s reserve strategy focuses on:
• Proving they hold enough assets to cover all user deposits (via PoR).
• Maintaining public trust through transparency (wallets, SAFU).
• Providing insurance via SAFU in emergencies.
Not using fractional reserve practices (unlike banks)