A heated debate erupted on X as prominent cryptocurrency founders accused each other of charging exorbitant listing fees. The controversy was sparked by claims made by TRON founder Justin Sun, who alleged that Coinbase demanded a staggering $80 million for listing TRON’s assets.
This revelation directly contradicted Coinbase co-founder Brian Armstrong’s public assertion that the exchange offers free listings.
Armstrong’s statement came in response to accusations leveled against Binance by Moonrock Capital CEO Simon Dedic. Dedic claimed that Binance charged his firm between $50 and $100 million for listing on its centralized exchange.
Binance CEO CZ joined the fray, thanking Sun for his support and urging everyone to avoid inflammatory rhetoric on social media. The public exchange of accusations between these influential figures provided a rare glimpse into the often secretive world of cryptocurrency exchanges.
Andre Cronje, co-founder of Sonic Labs, corroborated Sun’s claims, revealing that Coinbase had approached his team with demands ranging from $30 million to $300 million for listing fees.
This high-profile dispute highlights the potential for conflicts of interest and opaque practices within the cryptocurrency industry. As the market continues to evolve, transparency and accountability will be crucial for maintaining trust and fostering innovation.