Binance.US recently replaced USD with USDT stablecoin as its base trading pair. This completed its transition to a purely crypto-centric exchange without direct fiat integration. The move follows banking partners cutting ties under regulatory pressure.

To still facilitate dollar transactions, Binance.US now leverages third parties like MoonPay for on/off ramps. This allows continued crypto purchasing using credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc. The exchange currently supports over 150 cryptocurrencies.

Banking Relationships Severed

In early June, Binance.US suspended USD deposits and withdrawals. This resulted from what it termed “extremely aggressive and intimidating tactics” by the SEC.

The securities regulator had sued Binance.US for alleged regulatory violations. It also unsuccessfully sought to freeze the exchange's assets during proceedings.

Losing direct banking support forced Binance.US to find alternative dollar funding channels. Integrating dollar-to-stablecoin services like MoonPay replaced traditional fiat integration.

New Partnership Provides Dollar Gateway

To enable dollar-denominated purchases, Binance.US now partners with MoonPay to facilitate smooth USD-to-crypto transactions. MoonPay supports buying USDT using debit cards, credit cards, Apple Pay or Google Pay.

This provides easy stablecoin on-ramps without requiring direct bank accounts. Users can fund their Binance.US wallets with USDT purchased through MoonPay using traditional dollar payment methods.

MoonPay does require basic KYC like providing a name, birthdate, and billing address for initial transactions. But it claims verification takes under one minute on average.

Cash Out Still Possible Through MoonPay

Along with dollar in-ramps, MoonPay also allows cashing out cryptocurrencies to USD. So Binance.US continues fully supporting fiat off-ramps despite lacking direct banking.

MoonPay operates in over 160 countries as a registered money services business. The dollar gateway boasts 5 million users and connections with 300-plus leading wallets and apps.

So the partnership helps Binance.US maintain key exchange functionality without stable banking. This includes dollar on/off ramps for the 150-plus cryptos still traded against USDT.

How Banking Issues Impact Crypto Exchanges

Losing direct banking services severely disrupts exchange operations but workarounds exist. As regulators pressure banks to cut ties, understanding the fallout and alternatives becomes vital.

Federal Pressure Behind Banking Loss

Binance.US blamed its banking loss mainly on aggressive SEC tactics and lawsuits. This matches a broader trend of federal agencies pressuring banks to cut ties with crypto.

Regulators view banking access as a pressure point for reining in exchanges through indirect means. But severed relationships significantly affect user access and convenience.

Exchanges face major impacts on fiat transfers and treasury management. While crypto-native financing emerges, most exchanges still rely heavily on traditional banking.

Third Parties Bridge Gaps Post-Banking

Rather than leave users stranded, exchanges adapt by leveraging dollar intermediaries like MoonPay. These regulated third parties bridge the gap through payment processing.

Partners provide users dollar on-ramps and off-ramps indirectly when direct fiat transfers aren't available. So core exchange utility remains largely intact.

However, dependence on third parties could increase costs, KYC requirements, or privacy compromises. Relying on more intermediaries also introduces counterparty risks.

Crypto-Only Models Still Have Limitations

Some exchanges attempt operating entirely within crypto by abandoning fiat integration. But this risks severely limiting adoption and use cases.

While philosophically purer, crypto-only exchanges struggle to attract average users without familiar funding options. And decentralized exchanges have yet to match traditional trading performance.

Until crypto finances mature further, most exchanges still need stable fiat gateways. So banking loss remains highly disruptive despite creative solutions emerging. The crypto ecosystem must keep pushing for direct banking access.

What's Next for Binance in the DeFi Era

The Binance empire faces growing pains while adjusting to the DeFi ethos its founder championed. As regulators target centralized exchanges, Binance must embrace decentralized ideals to thrive long-term.

Can Binance Decentralize Successfully?

Binance built an industry-leading centralized exchange known for unmatched liquidity and coin selection. But that model now faces existential threats from regulation and bank loss.

Pivoting toward decentralized services could offer renewed growth. Binance has invested in DeFi projects and released products like BNB Chain. But further decentralizing its core exchange poses major challenges.

Sustainable success may require a culture shift as significant as strategic change. Only commitments like proof-of-reserves can rebuild battered trust in the Binance brand.

Leaner Times For BNB And Holders

BNB token has suffered as Binance struggles with liquidity concerns and stablecoin uncertainty. Lingering doubts have driven BNB below $200, losing over 60% of its value this year.

With Binance’s outlook clouded, BNB will likely remain highly volatile. The token’s heavy reliance on a single centralized entity for utility and burn mechanisms is becoming increasingly apparent.

As Binance attempts to decentralize, it may also need to diversify BNB use cases and economics beyond just the exchange. This could bolster BNB's functionality and value in the emerging DeFi landscape.

In summary, Binance.US shows crypto exchanges can survive banking loss through third-party dollar gateways. But the regulatory pressure behind its banking exit highlights existential risks of centralized crypto services. To thrive long-term, Binance must take on the hard work of transitioning toward its founder's original decentralized vision.