Scroll, an Ethereum layer-2 project, was recently listed on the centralized cryptocurrency exchange Binance, sparking debate within the crypto community over centralization concerns.
The listing, announced on October 11, was praised by some for its potential to drive growth but criticized by others for what they saw as a move toward centralization. Concerns were raised about whether Scroll was compromising its decentralization ideals by partnering with Binance.
X user Zeng Jiajun expressed skepticism, framing Scroll’s decision to list on Binance as “kneeling” to a centralized exchange (CEX). He described it as a “tough decision” and questioned its long-term impact.
Scroll has yet to respond to Cointelegraph’s request for comment as of publication.
Scroll co-founder Ye Zhang defended the partnership with Binance, explaining that it was part of a broader strategy aimed at expanding Scroll’s ecosystem, particularly in emerging markets.
Zhang clarified:
“I don’t think partnering with Binance is ‘kneeling to a CEX for listing’—it’s way more than that, it’s a strategic decision to build a partnership for growth and broader support. However, it is indeed a tough decision.”
He further noted that Binance would offer convenient on-ramp and off-ramp services for users, facilitating the movement of funds in and out of the Scroll network.
Despite Zhang’s explanation, some members of the crypto community expressed concerns about the implications of the Binance partnership on Scroll’s decentralization.
Jiajun, an Ethereum advocate, voiced his disappointment, saying, “Imagine @VitalikButerin paying 5.5% to @okx when @star_okx refused to list $ETH.”
Other users on X suggested that Binance should not have been the first exchange to list Scroll. They argued that if Scroll had enough organic activity and users, Binance would have listed it without the need for a formal partnership.
