The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed 13 charges against Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, and its co-founder Changpeng Zhao for allegedly commingling billions of dollars worth of user funds and sending them to a European company controlled by Zhao, as well as operating as an unlicensed securities exchange in the U.S. without registering with the SEC. The SEC is seeking a permanent injunction, disgorgement of any ill-gotten gains, and civil penalties, while Binance has responded to the charges, stating that they “strongly disagree” with the allegations. The SEC’s actions demonstrate its commitment to protecting investors and upholding its mission of maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets.