As recently as March 2022, Binance announced a strategic partnership with Singapore-based Eqonex Group and granted a $36 million convertible loan. In February, Eqonex had reportedly become the first crypto company to receive a listing on NASDAQ via a SPAC construction. Eqonex also has an FCA-registrated custody arm, Digivault Limited. It looked like a promising partner for Binance. Now the group seems to be a victim of crypto contagion. Binance has stopped funding it.
In March 2022, the Nasdaq-listed crypto exchange operator EQONEX Limited entered into a strategic partnership with the Binance Group, making it a sort of subsidiary. Under the terms of the strategic alliance, Lithuanian Bifinity UAB provided a $36 million loan and has the right to nominate key management positions and Board members. Consequently, Jonathan Farnell has been appointed CEO, Almira Cemmell Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, and Daniel Ling was appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Early this week, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said that it would be aware of the announcement made by the Eqonex Group and the Binance Group confirming that an entity called Bifinity UAB will advance a US$36 million convertible loan to Nasdaq-listed crypto exchange Eqonex. Bifinity has acquired some specific contractual rights over Eqonex Limited through this loan. The Lithuanian Bifinity is the official fiat-to-crypto payments provider for the Binance Group launched on 7 March 2022.