Binance vs Smartbroker+ Comparison

In short: Binance is the world's largest crypto exchange by trading volume: more than 480 coins, spot trading from 0.1%, from 0.075% with BNB, plus futures and a regular proof of reserves. For investors in the EU, licensing comes first: since 1 July 2026 Binance has not accepted new customers, deposits or new buy orders in the EU. According to Binance, balances remain accessible and can be withdrawn.

Is Binance safe and licensed in the EU?

Binance is not taking new customers in the EU at the moment. Crypto exchanges need a licence under the EU's MiCA regulation to serve customers in the EU. The transition period for providers registered under national rules ended on 1 July 2026 across the EU, and on 31 December 2025 in Germany. Binance does not appear in the ESMA register (file of 22 October 2026, 387 licensed providers). Binance withdrew its application with the Greek capital market regulator on 24 June 2026 and announced that it would apply in another EU member state. Background in our report on the Binance MiCA licence.

Reserves and track record: Binance regularly publishes a proof of reserves, verified with a Merkle tree and zk-SNARKs. The snapshot of 1 October 2026 shows coverage of 100.35% for Bitcoin, 100.00% for Ether, 103.88% for USDT and 100.47% for BNB (Binance proof of reserves). For emergencies such as hacks, Binance keeps its SAFU fund. In 2023 Binance pleaded guilty in the US to breaching anti-money laundering rules and paid $4.3 billion.

What you can do yourself: if you still hold funds at Binance, turn on two-factor authentication and a withdrawal address whitelist, and keep larger amounts in your own wallet, for example a hardware wallet, or move them to an exchange with a MiCA licence.

Who is Binance for?

Binance suits experienced traders outside the EU who want a very large choice of coins, futures and low spot fees. If you want to open an account in the EU, choose an exchange with a MiCA licence, such as OKX, Kraken, Bybit EU or Bitvavo. Our report on Binance fees breaks down the costs; all licensed providers are listed in our comparison of regulated crypto exchanges.

Smartbroker+ is perceived in the DACH region as a multi-asset broker that combines cryptocurrencies with stocks, ETFs, and derivatives on one platform. With 39 tradable cryptocurrencies and custody via the BaFin-licensed Tangany GmbH, the provider is considered to be on solid regulatory footing. Trading fees of 0.9 % for crypto are in the mid-range among German neobrokers.

The option to set up savings plans from as little as 0.01 € is appreciated, as it enables an especially accessible entry point. The platform is available via app and web and is aimed at investors who want to manage different asset classes centrally. For users who already invest in stocks and ETFs and want to add crypto as an additional component, Smartbroker+ is seen as a practical solution.

Wallet transfers to personal wallets are currently not possible, and staking features are not offered — both are occasionally criticized by users. The limited deposit methods, restricted to SEPA transfers, and the waiting time after registration are also considered to have room for improvement. Smartbroker+ is therefore particularly suitable for securities investors in the DACH region looking for a German broker with BaFin-regulated crypto custody and a broad product range.