As the world’s largest centralised exchange, Binance plays a critical role in powering the cryptocurrency landscape. Hannes Wessels, General Manager of Binance, highlights the platform’s dominance. “At this stage, we have about 60% of the market in terms of volumes, as well as reserves.” Binance offers a wide range of services beyond trading, including educational resources through Binance Academy and innovative payment solutions such as Binance Pay.
The exchange has also been at the forefront of security and compliance, adapting to evolving regulatory requirements. “Binance continues to strengthen its position by working closely with regulators and implementing robust security measures to protect users,” says Wessels.
The cryptocurrency market has experienced dramatic fluctuations recently, marked by periods of rapid growth followed by significant corrections. This volatility has sparked both excitement and uncertainty among investors, financial advisers and regulators alike.
Wessels reflects on the market’s turbulence: “With Bitcoin, it was all going crazy at the end of last year, and everyone was very optimistic – and then it’s been up and down.” He acknowledges that 2025 has been particularly eventful, with external factors, including geopolitical shifts and economic policies, influencing market trends.
The changing market
Cryptocurrencies, led by Bitcoin, have experienced both bullish surges and corrective downturns. Wessels points out that “since last year, it has been crazy but there has also been a bit of a dip in the market”. Bitcoin saw significant growth, reaching new highs before undergoing a sharp correction. This pattern is not new; historical trends show cycles of exuberance followed by stabilisation.
A key factor in these shifts is macroeconomic policy, including changes in interest rates and global trade relations. As Wessels explains, economic uncertainty often leads to adjustments in financial strategies, impacting investor confidence in digital assets. The upcoming Bitcoin halving event is also expected to shape future market movements, with many analysts predicting a long-term bullish trend.
The rise of institutional adoption
One of the most promising developments in the cryptocurrency sector is the growing involvement of institutional investors. Financial advisers and traditional investment firms, once sceptical of digital assets, are beginning to integrate them into their portfolios.
Wessels notes that major financial institutions, such as BlackRock, have entered the crypto space with Bitcoin ETFs, setting a precedent for broader institutional adoption. In South Africa and beyond, regulatory bodies are acknowledging the legitimacy of crypto investments, further paving the way for mainstream acceptance.
The importance of education and security
Education remains a key factor in driving crypto adoption. Wessels emphasises that financial advisers and investors should take advantage of available resources to understand the risks and benefits of digital assets. “We need educated individuals coming into the space because it’s an opportunity,” he explains.
Security is another major concern, with scams and hacking incidents posing risks to users. Binance has implemented stringent security protocols, including a secure asset fund to compensate users in case of breaches. Wessels advises users to stay vigilant: “Please stay within the app and don’t share your login details or passwords.”
Crypto in 2025 and beyond
Looking ahead, Binance continues to expand its product offerings and partnerships to drive crypto adoption. The company is particularly focused on integrating cryptocurrency into everyday transactions, making it easier for users to pay for goods and services with digital assets.
Wessels remains optimistic about the industry’s future, stating that increased regulatory clarity and technological advancements will contribute to a more stable and accessible crypto ecosystem. He encourages new users to start small, experiment with transactions, and embrace the evolving landscape of digital finance.
“As the cryptocurrency market matures, Binance’s role as a leader in innovation, education, and security will be crucial in shaping the next phase of digital asset adoption,” says Wessels. With institutional interest rising and mainstream use cases expanding, the future of cryptocurrency looks promising, albeit with the expected market cycles of volatility and growth.
Binance Academy: A hub for crypto education
Binance Academy is Binance’s free educational platform designed to provide users with knowledge about cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, Web3 and related financial topics. It offers a wide range of learning materials, including articles, videos, quizzes and courses, catering to both beginners and advanced users. It’s easily accessible, and no sign-ups or payments are required. Content is regularly updated to reflect the latest industry trends, and complex topics are broken down into easy-to-understand lessons.
Key features
1. Comprehensive learning resources
- Covers topics like Bitcoin, blockchain, trading strategies, security, DeFi (decentralised finance), NFTs and more.
- Available in multiple languages for global accessibility.
2. Structured courses and certifications
- Offers structured learning paths, including the Binance Blockchain Fundamentals certificate.
- Users can take quizzes and earn certificates for completing courses.
3. Interactive learning and tools
- Features glossaries, tutorials and explainer videos to simplify complex topics.
- Provides a crypto tax calculator, blockchain explorer guides and wallet security tips.
4. Security and scam awareness
- Teaches best practices for securing digital assets.
- Offers guidelines on recognising phishing scams, frauds, and market risks.
