Binance: Everything to Know

By  Beluga Research July 28, 2023

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Summary

  • Binance is a cryptocurrency trading platform that offers a distinctive user-friendly interface
  • It supports an extensive range of cryptocurrencies and employs robust security protocols
  • Binance Coin (BNB) is the platform's native cryptocurrency
  • Binance Launchpad facilitates token trading for new cryptocurrency projects

Overview

Binance is a cryptocurrency trading platform that offers a distinctive user-friendly interface. It facilitates the buying, selling and trading of digital assets. Changpeng Zhao, also known as CZ, founded Binance in 2017. The platform quickly gained popularity because it has a user-friendly interface. Binance also supports an extensive range of cryptocurrencies and offers robust security measures. Binance caters to new and experienced traders. It offers a well-crafted user experience because of a well-designed interface and advanced trading features.

A Brief History

In July 2017, Binance engaged in an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) that raised funds by issuing its own cryptocurrency, Binance Coin. The ICO raised $15 million within minutes. BNB is an ERC-20 token initially built on the Ethereum blockchain.

Shortly after the ICO, Binance launched its exchange platform. This provides users with a wide array of trading pairs and a robust infrastructure to support high trading volumes. Binance quickly gained traction within the crypto community. It attracted users with its low trading fees, extensive selection of cryptocurrencies, and responsive customer support.

As Binance continued to grow, the platform introduced numerous innovative features and expanded its offerings. In 2018, Binance launched its decentralized exchange (DEX). This allows users to trade cryptocurrencies directly from their wallets while maintaining control over private keys. The move aligned with the core principles of decentralization and security that underpin the cryptocurrency industry.

What is Binance?

Binance is a renowned cryptocurrency trading platform known for its distinctive user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to buy, sell, and trade digital assets. Established in 2017 by Changpeng Zhao, also known as CZ, the platform rapidly gained popularity due to its intuitive design. Binance stands out for supporting a wide variety of cryptocurrencies and prioritizing robust security measures. Whether for new or experienced traders, Binance offers a well-crafted user experience, combining a well-designed interface with advanced trading features.

Getting Started

  • Account creation and security. To start using Binance, users must create an account by providing their email address and setting a secure password. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is strongly recommended to enhance the security of the account. Binance also offers optional features such as withdrawal whitelist, anti-phishing code, and address management to further protect user funds.
  • Lots of supported cryptocurrencies. Binance supports a vast range of cryptocurrencies, including popular ones like bitcoin (BTC), ether (ETH), Ripple (XRP), and litecoin (LTC). In addition, the exchange supports numerous altcoins and newly launched tokens. The availability of a diverse selection of cryptocurrencies allows users to explore various investment opportunities. Users can diversify portfolios and decrease risk.
  • Various trading options. Binance offers several trading options to cater to the needs of different users. The platform provides a basic trading interface suitable for beginners, featuring a simplified layout and easy-to-understand order types. For advanced traders, Binance offers a professional trading interface with advanced charting tools, order types and trading indicators.
  • Binance Coin (BNB). BNB plays a vital role within the ecosystem. BNB can be used to pay for trading fees, participate in token sales and access various features within the Binance ecosystem. BNB has also gained popularity as an investment asset. Its value is influenced by the overall performance and growth of the Binance platform.
  • Binance Launchpad. Binance Launchpad is a platform within Binance that facilitates token sales for new cryptocurrency projects. Binance Launchpad leverages the credibility and user base of Binance. Projects can raise funds and gain exposure to a wide range of potential investors. Users can participate in token sales by using BNB and other supported cryptocurrencies.
  • Binance staking and savings. Binance allows users to earn passive income through staking and savings features. Staking involves holding cryptocurrencies to support the operations of a blockchain network and earning rewards in return. Binance offers staking opportunities for various cryptocurrencies. This enables users to earn additional tokens over time. Binance Savings allows users to deposit their idle digital assets to earn interest.
  • Binance Card and payments. Binance Card is a cryptocurrency debit card that allows users to spend their cryptocurrencies at merchants worldwide. By linking the Binance Card to their Binance account, users can convert their digital assets into fiat currencies. They can easily pay merchants with the card.

Unique Aspects

The native cryptocurrency, Binance Coin (BNB). BNB serves as the native utility token for the Binance ecosystem. Users can use BNB to pay for trading fees on the platform, participate in token sales and access other features within the Binance ecosystem. BNB has gained significant value over the years. It has become one of the top cryptocurrencies by market capitalization.

Binance is a leader in the Initial Exchange Offering (IEO) space . An IEO is a fundraising method that involves a cryptocurrency project conducting its token sale on a cryptocurrency exchange. Binance Launchpad has hosted numerous successful IEOs, providing users with opportunities to invest in promising projects. This feature has contributed to Binance's reputation as an innovative and influential player in the crypto industry.

Binance Chain platform. Binance Chain is a decentralized blockchain platform that allows the creation and issuance of digital assets. It provides a high-performance infrastructure for projects to launch their own tokens and build decentralized applications (dApps). Binance Chain also powers Binance DEX, a decentralized exchange built on top of the Binance Chain network. Binance DEX offers users enhanced security and control over their funds by allowing them to trade directly from their wallets.

Advantages

  • Wide range of cryptocurrencies. Binance provides a vast selection of cryptocurrencies for trading. With hundreds of listings, users have access to a diverse range of digital assets. The extensive variety allows traders to explore different investment opportunities.
  • Liquidity. Binance is known for its high liquidity. There is a large pool of buyers and sellers on the platform. The liquidity ensures that traders can easily buy or sell their desired cryptocurrencies at competitive prices without significant price slippage. High liquidity also contributes to a smoother trading experience with minimal delays.
  • Competitive fees. Binance offers competitive trading fees compared to many other exchanges in the industry. The fees are based on a tiered structure that takes into account a user's trading volume over a 30-day period. By holding BNB and using it to pay for trading fees, users can further reduce their trading costs. This fee structure makes Binance an attractive choice for all types of volume of traders.
  • Advanced trading features. Binance provides a range of advanced trading features that cater to the needs of experienced traders. Traders can take advantage of margin trading, futures trading and options trading on the Binance platform. This allows them to implement various trading strategies and potentially amplify their profits.
  • User-friendly interface. Binance offers a user-friendly and intuitive interface, making it accessible to traders of all experience levels. The platform provides multiple trading views. Binance also offers a mobile app, allowing users to trade on the go using their smartphones. The user-friendly interface and mobile accessibility contribute to an easy trading experience.

Disadvantages

  • Regulatory uncertainty. As with any cryptocurrency exchange, regulatory uncertainty is a significant concern. The regulatory landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies is still evolving. Changes in regulations or government policies could impact the operations of exchanges like Binance. Users should stay informed about the legal and regulatory aspects of cryptocurrency trading in their respective jurisdictions.
  • Customer support. Binance has faced criticism regarding its customer support services. As the platform has experienced rapid growth, some users have reported delays or difficulties in receiving timely support. Improved customer support infrastructure and response times would enhance the overall user experience on the platform.
  • Security risks. While Binance has implemented robust security measures, no exchange is entirely immune to security risks. Cyberattacks and hacking attempts pose a constant threat to cryptocurrency exchanges and their users. It is crucial for users to take appropriate security measures. These include enabling two-factor authentication, using hardware wallets and practicing good security hygiene to protect funds.
  • Centralized nature. Binance is a centralized exchange, meaning it operates on a centralized infrastructure controlled by a single entity. This centralized nature raises concerns about the potential for censorship. It also opens the door to hacking vulnerabilities and dependence on a single point of failure. Decentralized exchanges offer an alternative for users seeking a more decentralized and censorship-resistant trading experience.
  • Limited fiat support. While Binance supports the trading of numerous cryptocurrencies, its support for fiat currencies is more limited. The availability of fiat currency trading pairs varies depending on the user's location and regulatory requirements. This limitation may inconvenience users who prefer to trade directly with local currencies.