TLDR
- Binance denied allegations made by CJ Hetherington that it profits from token listings.
- The exchange described the claims as false, defamatory, and damaging to its reputation.
- Binance stated it does not charge any fees or profits from token listings.
- CJ Hetherington claimed Binance requested 8% of his project’s tokens for distribution and marketing purposes.
- He disclosed demands including a $250,000 deposit and $2 million worth of BNB tokens as collateral.
Binance has denied all claims suggesting it profits from listing new tokens. The exchange called the allegations “false and defamatory.” It also threatened legal action against Limitless Labs CEO CJ Hetherington for disclosing private communications.
Binance Rejects CJ Hetherington’s Token Listing Allegations
Binance responded swiftly to statements made by CJ Hetherington, CEO of Limitless Labs. He accused the exchange of demanding excessive terms for token listings. Binance labeled the allegations misleading and damaging to its reputation.
The company stated it does not collect fees for listing any token. Binance stated that the claims about token dumping are also unfounded. It emphasized that Hetherington’s disclosures violated confidentiality expectations within the crypto industry.
“The allegations are designed to mislead the community and attack the integrity of our listing process,” said Binance. The exchange added that revealing sensitive terms damaged industry trust. It described CJ’s behavior as reckless and unprofessional.
CJ Hetherington disclosed several demands allegedly made by Binance during listing talks. He said Binance required 1% of the token supply for a day-one airdrop. He also claimed that another 3% must be airdropped within six months.
The CEO stated that Binance asked for a 1% increase for marketing purposes. According to him, Binance had complete discretion over that distribution. Hetherington added that the exchange also requested 3% of tokens for the BNB HODLer program.
CJ also revealed Binance’s requirement for a $250,000 security deposit. He said Binance asked for $2 million worth of BNB tokens as collateral. He claimed the exchange wanted 100% of the token pool’s $1 million TVL on Pancake Swap.
In addition, Hetherington stated that Binance demanded $200,000 in tokens from affiliate marketers. He claimed the total allocation amounted to 8% of his token supply. According to him, all these terms were non-negotiable and part of a standard deal.
Crypto Community Offers Mixed Reactions to Allegations
Mike Dudas, founder of 6MV, supported CJ’s claims with his experience. He confirmed seeing similar Binance listing proposals in the past month. He said any non-disclosure agreement regarding the matter did not bind him.
Dudas stated that Binance has been using the same approach for years. He insisted the terms were consistent with what CJ had shared. “These are the same listing conditions I’ve seen,” he commented.
However, analyst Howard Peng criticized CJ’s public statements. He called them immature and questioned his motives. Peng stated, “If you don’t like the deal, walk away and list elsewhere.”
offer from @binance:
> 1% airdrop on day 1, alpha listing
> 3% further airdrops in 6 months
> 1% for "marketing" at Binance full discretion
> provide 100% of TVL for token pool on Pancake Swap ($1M+)
> $250k security deposit
> 3% reserved for BNB HODLer programme
> $200k…— CJ (@cjhtech) October 14, 2025
Peng further criticized Base, which CJ had promoted as a better alternative. He said most Base projects dropped by 90% after launch. Peng added that Binance’s listing process remains more structured than Base’s approach.
He also said Coinbase listings have lost public interest. Many have low volume, according to Peng, and no longer excite retail traders. “It makes no difference if one more project lists,” he added.
Binance reiterated that it does not charge any listing fees. It stated that deposits are refundable within one to two years. The exchange noted that token allocations are used solely to benefit its users.
Binance emphasized that security deposits are for platform protection, not profit. The exchange said CJ’s claims distorted these terms for personal gain. It also expressed concern over the breach of confidential discussions.
The company warned it might take legal action. Binance stated that CJ disclosed private communications without authorization. It said that such actions damage the transparency of its token listing process.
Binance clarified that all project discussions are handled privately and securely. The company said CJ’s decision to go public was unethical. It maintained that its listing strategy protects investors and users alike.
