Binance.US is seeking $100 million in financing to expand its U.S. crypto operations.

According to Bloomberg, people familiar with the matter said Binance.US is seeking to raise up to $100 million via private placement, targeting a valuation of around $1 billion, to expand its U.S. operations amid intensifying competition for digital asset clients. The fundraising is still ongoing, and the final size, valuation and investor composition could be adjusted. World Liberty Financial, a crypto project co-founded by former U.S. President Donald Trump, was aware of the fundraising, but another source familiar with the matter said the project is not participating at present. Spokespeople for Binance.US and World Liberty declined to comment. Binance.US launched in 2019 and operates independently of the global Binance exchange, but Changpeng Zhao is a major shareholder of both companies. In 2022, Binance.US raised over $200 million in a round with a $4.5 billion pre-money valuation. After Binance Holdings reached a settlement with U.S. authorities in 2023, Binance.US lost significant market share and is now seeking to win back clients to compete with larger rivals. The firm has also explored new business lines such as prediction markets. In terms of expansion plans, Binance.US is seeking to restore money transmitter licenses in some U.S. states and is discussing bringing in external trading liquidity, with potential sources including the global Binance exchange, though no specific plans have been finalized. The company appointed Stephen Gregory as its CEO earlier this year. The fundraising plan comes as digital asset firms seek to capitalize on a more favorable U.S. regulatory environment, with existing exchanges expanding product offerings and overseas competitors looking to grow their U.S. operations. World Liberty has ties to Binance: According to Arkham data, Binance holds the majority supply of its USD1 stablecoin. USD1 was also used by an investment firm linked to the UAE leadership to purchase $2 billion in Binance equity.