Updated on:12/07/2025 05:06 PM 
The devastating earthquake that struck Morocco recently has prompted an unprecedented response from the global cryptocurrency community, with Binance Charity spearheading a controversial yet innovative approach to disaster relief through blockchain technology.
At the center of this debate is Binance Charity's decision to donate $3 million worth of Binance Coin (BNB) directly to Moroccan victims, a move that has ignited discussions about the role of digital currencies in humanitarian aid efforts worldwide.
As reported by the Financial Times, skepticism surrounds this unconventional donation method, with critics dismissing it as a publicity stunt rather than genuine assistance. These critics argue that in the immediate aftermath of such a catastrophe, survivors require fundamental necessities like food, clean water, and medical supplies—resources that cryptocurrency cannot provide directly.
However, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), CEO of Binance, has taken to X to articulate Binance Charity's distinctive philosophy and methodology in disaster response scenarios.
CZ addressed various criticisms head-on, beginning with the fundamental concern about immediate needs. "People need food and water, not crypto. We agree with that," CZ stated. "Binance has a history of providing essential items. These take time to organize. Crypto is fast."
This dual approach, as outlined in a recent blog post, combines traditional humanitarian aid with blockchain-based financial assistance. Binance Charity aims to deliver both essential physical supplies and direct access to funds through cryptocurrency donations.
Nevertheless, questions have been raised about the exclusivity of this method, as the primary beneficiaries appear to be existing Binance users rather than the broader affected population. CZ acknowledged this limitation, explaining, "We can only reach our users at this speed. We are not saying we can solve all problems, but we try to help the little bit where we can. That's what donations are."
When examining the potential benefits of cryptocurrency donations in crisis situations, several advantages emerge that distinguish them from traditional financial mechanisms:
CZ further defended the strategy of targeting existing Binance users, noting that these individuals already possess the knowledge to manage digital wallets and convert cryptocurrencies to local currency. "A non-crypto person saying crypto is not cash is like a blind person saying lights are useless," he controversially stated.
In the wake of the catastrophic earthquake that devastated Morocco, Binance Charity implemented an innovative response mechanism: airdropping up to $3 million worth of BNB directly to their Moroccan user base.
Despite this blockchain-focused approach, Binance Charity recognizes the indispensable role of traditional humanitarian aid. The organization has committed to continuing collaboration with local relief agencies, pledging to donate all funds raised from the public to established Moroccan charities while simultaneously providing direct crypto assistance to their users.
While acknowledging limitations in their current reach, Binance Charity maintains that assisting their existing user base constitutes valuable aid, particularly given the earthquake's anticipated long-term economic consequences affecting the entire nation. The transparent and efficient nature of blockchain technology ensures that a higher percentage of donated resources directly benefits those in need, minimizing administrative overhead.
Despite facing criticism, Binance Charity demonstrates a commitment to refining their humanitarian methodology based on empirical data and expert feedback. The organization views constructive criticism as opportunities for enhancement and has expressed willingness to collaborate with humanitarian specialists to optimize their disaster response initiatives.
Ultimately, Binance Charity's mission extends beyond immediate relief to leveraging technological innovation for sustainable community development. In pursuit of this vision, the organization identifies substantial untapped potential in blockchain technology to transform humanitarian aid frameworks.
Notably, Helen Hai, former Head of Binance Charity, emphasized in a 2022 interview with CryptoSlate that the organization achieves "100% of funds to recipients," a remarkable efficiency benchmark that surpasses most traditional charitable institutions globally.
It's worth noting that Hai reportedly resigned from her position on September 7, though her professional profiles on X and LinkedIn continue to maintain affiliation with Binance.
