Binance introduces new listing system amid scam warnings
Binance has rolled out a new three-stage process for listing altcoin projects. The system moves projects through Binance Alpha first, then Binance Futures, and finally to Binance Spot. This structured approach seems designed to give projects more gradual exposure while allowing the exchange to assess performance at different levels.
But perhaps more interesting than the new system itself are the warnings that came alongside it. Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, known as CZ, took to social media to address a persistent problem in the crypto space.
Scam warnings from the top
CZ made his position crystal clear: anyone claiming they can help projects get listed on Binance is running a scam. He didn’t mince words. “Anyone who claims they can help you list coins on Binance is a scammer,” he stated directly.
What struck me about his warning was how specific he was about who might make these claims. He mentioned agents, consultants, former employees, and even current employees. The message was consistent—nobody at Binance has that kind of authority to guarantee listings, regardless of their position or past connections.
A surprising presidential example
CZ shared a particularly telling example that shows just how widespread this misconception has become. He revealed that a country’s president recently approached him privately, asking if he could help get their company listed on Binance. Think about that for a moment—a head of state, presumably with access to legal and financial advisors, still thought there might be a backdoor approach.
“I told him I couldn’t help,” CZ said simply. That response speaks volumes about how Binance wants to position itself—as an exchange that follows its own processes rather than making exceptions based on connections or influence.
The reporting process and consequences
The founder encouraged immediate reporting of anyone making these claims. The consequences sound serious too—blacklisting and sometimes public identification of the individuals involved. That public identification part is interesting because it suggests Binance might be willing to name names, which could have a deterrent effect.
I think what’s happening here is a recognition that as crypto matures, these kinds of scams undermine trust in the entire ecosystem. When projects think they can buy their way onto major exchanges, it creates unfair advantages and potentially exposes investors to poorly vetted tokens.
Why this matters now
The timing of these warnings alongside the new listing system isn’t coincidental. With a more structured process in place, Binance likely wants to make clear that there are no shortcuts. The Alpha-Futures-Spot progression suggests they’re looking for projects to prove themselves at each stage rather than jumping straight to spot trading.
It’s a sensible approach, really. Projects get tested in less risky environments first, and the exchange gets more data before giving them full spot listing status. But the human element—the desire for shortcuts, the belief that connections matter more than merit—that’s what CZ seems most concerned about addressing.
What remains to be seen is whether these warnings will actually reduce the number of scams. The fact that even presidents are asking suggests there’s a deep-seated belief that crypto listings work like traditional finance deals. Changing that perception might take more than just warnings, but it’s a necessary start.
