Coinbase and Gemini Spotlight Fee-Free Listing Policies as Binance Faces Allegations of Steep Listing Fees

Securing a Tier 1 exchange listing is often seen as a breakthrough moment for crypto projects, with a Binance listing considered the pinnacle. Yet recent allegations from the crypto community claim that Binance charges steep listing fees, a claim co-founder Yi He has denied.

Top crypto exchanges are clashing over allegations that Binance charges steep listing fees, a claim that has sparked a broader debate on transparency and fair access in the industry.

Coinbase and Gemini are highlighting their more equitable listing policies as Binance faces scrutiny.

Recent reports have claimed that Binance charged a project 15% of its token supply, which could amount to $100 million, for a listing on the exchange. Binance has denied these allegations, stating that there are no fixed fees to secure a listing and that projects cannot simply buy their way onto the platform.

However, Maelstrom Fund CIO Arthur Hayes has also weighed in on the matter, claiming that his contacts have disclosed that Binance charges up to 16% of a project's token supply and also mandates a $5 million BNB purchase for a listing on the exchange. Hayes further argues that most new projects fail to meet the quality standards set by CEXs, which are said to be focusing on listing only "high quality" projects.

In light of these contrasting claims, Coinbase and Gemini are presenting themselves as more transparent and fair alternatives to Binance. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has announced that asset listings on his exchange are free, inviting projects to reach out directly. He also mentioned Coinbase's support for decentralized exchange listings, which would widen project options.

Echoing this stance, Eric Kuhn, Gemini's Head of On-Chain, has confirmed that the company doesn't charge projects to list while revealing upcoming transparency measures around its listing process.

This clash between crypto exchanges over listing fees and transparency is a response to the increasing demand from the crypto community for more clarity and fairness in the industry's practices. As the market becomes more sophisticated, these exchanges are being compelled to adapt their strategies and highlight their strengths to remain competitive and cater to the evolving needs of their customers.