- The SEC sued Binance and its former CEO in 2023, accusing the firm of operating illegally in the U.S. as an unregistered broker.
- The new filing highlights the regulator’s need for time to consider strategic changes or settlement options.
The lawsuit between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Binance may remain paused as both sides signal movement toward resolving the dispute, according to the latest court filing.
On Friday, attorneys for the regulator and the crypto exchange asked a federal judge to extend the current pause in proceedings by another 60 days, citing ongoing and “productive discussions.” In 2023, the SEC filed a lawsuit against Binance and former CEO Changpeng Zhao, accusing the company of operating illegally in the U.S.
See Related: Polkadot (DOT) Price Prediction After Genesis Global Capital Paused Withdrawals
The agency alleged Binance acted as an unregistered broker, exchange, and clearing agency. Additional claims included fund commingling and manipulation of trading activity on its U.S. platform.
Earlier this year, following Donald Trump’s return to the presidency and Mark Uyeda’s appointment as acting SEC chair, the agency requested an initial 60-day pause in the case.
The SEC said the delay would allow time for its new crypto task force to draft clearer regulatory guidance on digital assets. The new joint filing cites continued discussions between the SEC and Binance lawyers and acknowledges the time needed for the Commission to consider changes in strategy or settlement options.
Political Shift Brings A Change In Approach
“In light of these continued discussions and the time required for the staff to seek authorization from the Commission as necessary to approve any resolution or changes to the scope of this litigation, the SEC requested that the Defendants agree to continue the current stay for an additional 60 days, and the Defendants agreed that continuing the stay is appropriate and in the interest of judicial economy,” the filing stated.
The SEC’s willingness to delay further may signal a shift toward settlement or a reassessment of its claims in light of the evolving crypto policy. Meanwhile, Binance has shown little resistance to continuing the pause, suggesting both parties see value in avoiding an immediate return to litigation.
If the court approves the request, the case will remain on hold through mid-year, allowing time for negotiations and internal policy reviews that could reshape how U.S. authorities handle crypto enforcement.
