The topic of exchange listing fees has long been a focal point in the cryptocurrency industry. Discussions about whether exorbitant fees truly exist aren't new. In 2018, Binance faced scrutiny over allegations of charging $1 million per token listing. Other exchanges were also implicated, with claims ranging from 10 ETH to 20 BTC or 500,000 tokens—difficult to verify. Binance addressed this in October 2018 by pledging to transparently donate listing fees to charity. In 2022, the MITH deposit-refund controversy reignited debates. Recently, Moonrock Capital's CEO tweeted about a $100 million listing fee, bringing Binance back into the spotlight.
The Unfolding Controversy
On November 1, Moonrock Capital's CEO tweeted:
"Binance demanded 15% of a project’s total token supply (valued at $50M–$100M) for a CEX listing."
The post went viral, amassing over a million views and sparking reactions from KOLs.
Coinbase co-founder Brian Armstrong stated:
"Coinbase listings are free."
However, Coinbase was quickly exposed for allegedly charging substantial fees. Sonic Labs co-founder Andre Cronje countered:
"Binance charges no listing fees, but Coinbase has quoted $300M, $50M, $30M, and recently $60M."
Andre offered to provide evidence, igniting further debate.
He Yi’s Official Response
Binance co-founder He Yi clarified:
- No Listing Fees: Binance’s rigorous vetting process determines listings, not token percentages.
- Transparency: Token allocations for listed projects are publicly documented.
- Airdrops: Launchpool and listing airdrops follow clear rules, but token donations don’t guarantee listing.
He Yi emphasized:
"FUD makes us stronger. Truth-tellers like AC deserve respect."
Public opinion remains divided. Some argue fees filter low-quality projects; others believe they stifle innovation.
Listing Fees and Industry Evolution
From 2018 to 2024, listing fee controversies resurface cyclically. While CEXs may justify fees for operational costs, transparency is critical. Binance’s proactive communication has eased concerns, but the industry must prioritize:
- Fair Access: Avoid prohibitive costs blocking promising projects.
- Project Quality: Focus on sustainability over fee debates.
👉 Explore how top exchanges vet projects
FAQ Section
1. Does Binance really charge $100M listing fees?
No verified evidence supports this. Binance denies such practices and maintains transparent policies.
2. How does Coinbase compare?
Allegations suggest Coinbase quotes multi-million dollar fees, though it claims free listings.
3. What’s the impact of high listing fees?
They may centralize access, favoring well-funded projects over innovative but cash-strapped ones.
4. How can projects ensure fair listing opportunities?
Build robust fundamentals and engage with exchanges that prioritize merit over fees.
👉 Learn about equitable crypto listing practices
The recurring debate underscores the need for industry-wide transparency—a catalyst for meaningful innovation.
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