Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange by trade volume, has kicked off 2025 with an incredible achievement of 250 million users, underscoring its reputable influence and adoption in the digital assets industry. This milestone came barely a month after the exchange announced that it had handled a huge $21.6 billion in customer deposits in 2024, surpassing Bybit’s $8.2 billion and OKX’s $5.3 billion.
Binance reaches 250 million users
According to an announcement on January 2nd, Binance has onboarded 250 million users onto its crypto trading platform. The exchange noted that this milestone puts it “one-quarter of the way” to the 1 billion user mark, which they consider the benchmark for mass adoption of digital assets.
Previously, Binance announced in June 2024 that its user base had reached 200 million, indicating that the exchange has amassed 50 million new registered users in under seven months.
Amid the growth rate, Binance Labs, the exchange’s venture capital arm, anticipates the crypto industry to undergo a dynamic phase in 2025 as it shifts focus to blockchain, AI, DeFi, and Bitcoin.
Each of these sectors received attention, with a total of 10 projects in DeFi and 7 each in AI and Bitcoin ecosystem-related ventures. Growing tech like restacking protocols and zk proofs also secured noticeable investments, showing Binanace’s interest in next-generation crypto innovation.
The VC believes the industry is “ripe” for innovation and development in 2025. This comes with the pro-crypto stance of the Trump administration, which hints at a more favorable regulatory environment.
CZ’s leadership shift
Binance Labs also revealed that Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) is “back in action” and will be looking forward to connecting with existing and new builders on a “personal level.”
Recall that CZ served four months in a U.S. prison last year after pleading guilty to failing to implement effective money laundering controls.
CZ, who had an estimated personal fortune of about $40 billion, according to Bloomberg, at the time, agreed to step down as CEO and pay $200 million in fines. Binance Labs didn’t clarify whether CZ would be directly involved with the world’s largest crypto exchange, where he was rumored to control a significant stake last year.
Binance’s leadership has gone through changes, with CZ stepping down in late 2023 after reaching a settlement with U.S. regulators. This settlement included a $200 million fine from him personally and took a turning point for Binance. Although there are questions about how CZ will be involved with Binance Labs’ investment decisions, the exchange continues demonstrating resilience and growth.
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