Binance Co-Founder Backs ASEAN Crypto License Passporting
Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao spoke at the ASEAN Tech Summit Manila 2026 about regional passporting for crypto licenses. He believes that firms already regulated in one market should be able to enter others with a simplified approval process, rather than applying from scratch.
Regulators could still review applicants, but wouldn't require them to complete another full licensing application. This regional framework would reduce compliance costs, encourage competition, and make it easier for crypto services to operate across ASEAN's fragmented regulatory markets.
Zhao said that 'I think that's mostly a political problem,' referring to cross-border coordination. He added that the technology is simple, and allowing more licensed platforms to compete could improve services and lower costs for consumers.