Market
Crypto Projects Face High CEX Listing Fees—Is Change Coming?
The cryptocurrency community is abuzz following recent allegations surrounding the listing practices of prominent centralized exchanges (CEXs), notably Binance and Coinbase.
What began with a post by Simon Dedic, CEO of Moonrock Capital, has sparked widespread debate on how much power CEXs wield in determining the fate of new projects and tokens. Amid this controversy, industry leaders and community members are weighing in, exposing the growing divide between centralized and decentralized exchanges.
Allegations of High Demands for CEX Listings
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Dedic shared details of a conversation he had with a “Tier 1” project that reportedly spent over a year in due diligence with Binance. According to Dedic, Binance eventually requested 15% of the project’s total token supply in exchange for a listing offer.
He estimated the cost for the listing could range from $50 million to $100 million, describing such demands as “unaffordable” for projects and a key reason for “bleeding charts” — a term referring to price declines following CEX listings.
In response, Andre Cronje, founder of Fantom, disputed Dedic’s claims about Binance. He disclosed that Coinbase, not Binance, had previously demanded substantial fees for listing (probably Fantom’s FTM token) with amounts ranging from $30 million to $300 million over time.
Read more: Binance Review 2024: Is It the Right Crypto Exchange for You?
Cronje’s stance highlights the growing concern over how listing demands might create barriers for projects aiming to gain visibility on major exchanges. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong soon addressed the controversy, aiming to set the record straight. Armstrong stated on X, “Asset listings on Coinbase are free,” while promoting decentralized exchanges (DEXs) as a viable alternative.
Armstrong’s post was backed by a Coinbase blog post explaining the Asset Hub, designed to streamline the listing process. Coinbase’s Asset Hub also ensures transparency and fairness, supposedly at no cost to token issuers.
Adding to the debate, TRON founder Justin Sun weighed in, sharing his experiences with both exchanges. Sun stated that while Binance did not charge TRON any listing fees, Coinbase required an $80 million deposit in TRX and a $250 million BTC deposit in Coinbase Custody.
Sun also suggested that such demands are excessive, adding another layer to the debate on whether listing fees are justified for projects of different sizes. The controversy has sparked a wave of community reactions, many voicing disillusionment with CEX practices.
“Kinda makes me not want to buy anything listed on Binance again. Knowing that they paid tens of millions to get on there, so they could get the most exit liquidity they could is a signal that maybe it is not worth that much. Real platforms don’t need to launch on Binance,” said Tuomas Holmberg, founder and CEO of Collector Crypt.
Tenset CEO and co-founder of Tenset Security Mat Millbury echoed the sentiment, criticizing the adverse effects of Binance listings on token prices. Some see the issue as an indication of excessive power wielded by CEXs over new projects.
“Exchanges hold too much power,” Animoca Brands’ Mo Ezeldin commented, suggesting that listing fees and token demands create an unhealthy cycle that ultimately harms projects and drains positive momentum.
Meanwhile, Mavryck Network founder Alex Davis voiced support for DEXs, arguing they could provide a more sustainable model for the future.
“All this drama surrounding CEXs simply highlights the need for (order book) DEXs and further transparency. Make the rules for listings clear, and list appropriately. The point of crypto was to disintermediate from 3rd parties, not create new ones raking in their own fees,” Davis expressed.
Binance Leadership Defends Policies
Binance’s former CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) also responded to the backlash, urging the industry to move away from “quote attacks.” CZ asserted that Bitcoin, the most prominent digital asset, never paid listing fees, advising projects to focus on their development rather than exchange listings. Justin Sun echoed the sentiment.
Similarly, Binance’s co-founder Yi He added that Binance’s listing processes are transparent and based on project merit. She encouraged the public to “do your own research” (DYOR) and dismissed the allegations as “gossip,” explaining that high token allocations for airdrops or promotions do not guarantee listings.
As accusations and rebuttals circulate, the role of decentralized exchanges (DEXs) is coming into sharper focus. Unlike CEXs, DEXs allow projects to list directly without intermediary demands or large token allocations, potentially offering a path toward more equitable access.
Read more: What Are Decentralized Exchanges and Why Should You Try Them?
While centralized exchanges offer liquidity, reach, and visibility, many in the community argue that their influence over project success may be overreaching. The ongoing debate highlights a need for change, whether through increased transparency from CEXs, the adoption of decentralized alternatives, or an industry-wide shift toward fairer practices.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Market
Trump’s $500 Billion Stargate Venture Sparks AI Crypto Boom
AI tokens surged on Wednesday after President Donald Trump unveiled a new joint venture to invest up to $500 billion in artificial intelligence infrastructure.
The partnership involves major players such as OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank and will form a new entity called Stargate.
Market Focuses on AI Coins as Trump’s Stargate Initiative Gains Traction
The Stargate Project will invest $500 billion over the next four years, building new AI infrastructure in the US. The venture will focus on developing crucial data centers and the electricity generation required to power the AI sector.
The announcement has already had a noticeable impact on the broader market, particularly in AI-related cryptocurrencies. Following the news, the market capitalization of AI tokens surged by 9%, reaching $45.83 billion at press time, according to CoinGecko.
In fact, the market cap of AI agent tokens alone rose by 13% to hit $14.9 billion.
AI agent tokens, such as Virtuals Protocol, AIXBT, and AI16Z, saw impressive gains. Virtuals Protocol rose by over 13% in the past 24 hours, while AI16Z experienced a remarkable 36% increase. AIXBT token rose by 27% over the same period.
The surge in AI tokens reflects a broader shift in market interest as investors move capital towards more “sentient” tokens.
“Capital is rotating back from static memes to sentient coins,” AI researcher S4mmy commented on Twitter.
The analyst added that Fartcoin and AIXBT are sustaining their “mindshare dominance,” but face declining market caps after a heated run. Commenting on Virtuals Protocol, he said it continues to solidify its position as a backbone of the Agentic infrastructure.
Moreover, analyst CyrilXBT said he believes “AI will create generational wealth in 2025.”
“People said Bitcoin was a joke. People said AI agents are a gimmick. Guess what else they’ll say? ‘Why didn’t I listen when generational wealth was staring me in the face?,” CyrilXBT commented.
The shift towards AI is particularly interesting, given the trend of investments a few days back. Capital was flowing into Donald Trump-related tokens, such as TRUMP and MELANIA, which have seen significant volatility.
However, BeInCrypto reported that smart money traders are now focusing on AI tokens after the hype around TRUMP faded. According to data from Nansen, a substantial amount of VIRTUAL, FARTCOIN, and AIXBT tokens are held by smart money.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Market
Will an Upside Break Spark a Surge?
Ethereum price is struggling below the $3,500 resistance while Bitcoin gains. ETH is consolidating above $3,150 and might aim for an upside break.
- Ethereum failed to gain pace for a close above $3,400 and $3,450.
- The price is trading above $3,300 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average.
- There is a key contracting triangle forming with resistance at $3,355 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD (data feed via Kraken).
- The pair could start another increase if it clears the $3,400 resistance level.
Ethereum Price Aims Key Upside Break
Ethereum price started a decent upward move from the $3,200 level but upsides were limited compared to Bitcoin. ETH cleared the $3,250 resistance to move into a short-term bullish zone.
The bulls were able to push the price above the $3,300 resistance zone. Besides, there was a clear move above the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $3,445 swing high to the $3,203 low. However, the bears are still active below $3,400.
Ethereum price is now trading above $3,300 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. On the upside, the price seems to be facing hurdles near the $3,350 level or the 61.8% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $3,445 swing high to the $3,203 low.
There is also a key contracting triangle forming with resistance at $3,355 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD. The first major resistance is near the $3,400 level. The main resistance is now forming near $3,445.
A clear move above the $3,445 resistance might send the price toward the $3,550 resistance. An upside break above the $3,550 resistance might call for more gains in the coming sessions. In the stated case, Ether could rise toward the $3,650 resistance zone or even $3,720 in the near term.
Another Decline In ETH?
If Ethereum fails to clear the $3,400 resistance, it could start another decline. Initial support on the downside is near the $3,300 level. The first major support sits near the $3,250.
A clear move below the $3,250 support might push the price toward the $3,200 support. Any more losses might send the price toward the $3,120 support level in the near term. The next key support sits at $3,050.
Technical Indicators
Hourly MACD – The MACD for ETH/USD is losing momentum in the bullish zone.
Hourly RSI – The RSI for ETH/USD is now above the 50 zone.
Major Support Level – $3,200
Major Resistance Level – $3,400
Market
What Fueled Its New High
Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency, has once again captured the spotlight after rallying to a new all-time high of $109,699.
With the $110,000 milestone in sight, Bitcoin’s recent price action is being closely monitored by investors. A combination of sustained market conditions and renewed institutional interest has positioned the crypto king for potentially historic gains.
Bitcoin Investors Are Bullish
Market sentiment has shown a significant shift in recent weeks, particularly through the lens of Coin Days Destroyed (CDD). Late 2024 saw a period of elevated CDD, signaling heavy activity among Bitcoin long-term holders (LTHs) cashing out during the rally.
However, January has brought a notable cooldown in CDD, indicating reduced selling pressure from these key investors. This trend suggests that most profit-taking among LTHs is complete, paving the way for a more stable price trajectory.
Low CDD is often interpreted as a positive sign for Bitcoin’s recovery. It reflects conviction among long-term investors, who are holding onto their coins rather than selling into the market. Such investor behavior typically builds confidence and supports upward price momentum, providing a favorable backdrop for Bitcoin’s push to $110,000 and beyond.
Bitcoin’s macro momentum has also gained strength, supported by the accumulation activity of smaller investors, often referred to as “Shrimps” and “Crabs.” These holders, who possess less than 10 BTC, collectively added over 25,600 BTC worth approximately $2.71 billion. This surge in accumulation is proof of growing confidence among retail investors.
The Shrimp-to-Crab balance spike indicates a broad base of support for Bitcoin’s price. This demographic’s increasing participation reflects long-term bullish sentiment. Their buying activity often stabilizes the market, acting as a cushion during corrections and amplifying price rallies during bullish phases.
BTC Price Prediction: Onto New High
Bitcoin’s recent all-time high of $109,699 was fueled by strong market fundamentals and strong investor sentiment. If momentum continues, the cryptocurrency could breach the $110,000 mark, cementing its position as a high-performing asset in 2025. This milestone would likely attract additional buying interest, reinforcing Bitcoin’s bullish outlook.
To secure its ascent, Bitcoin must establish $105,000 as a strong support level. Currently trading around $105,562, the crypto king appears well-positioned to achieve this. A successful defense of this support zone could propel Bitcoin to new highs, unlocking further upside potential.
However, failure to maintain $105,000 as support could lead to a retracement toward $100,000. Such a decline would negate Bitcoin’s recent gains and dampen short-term bullish sentiment, raising the risk of prolonged consolidation before a renewed rally.
Disclaimer
In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
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